The UAE is diving into esports in a big way with the Emirates Gaming League (EGL).
The ambitious project, first announced in September 2024, has evolved significantly in its planning phase.
According to the Emirates Esports Federation (EEF), the league will now feature 24 franchised teams across major regions, a substantial increase from the originally planned six teams.
Each franchise will maintain an eight-player roster, with five players competing in active matches.
Here's a twist: every international team needs to include at least one local UAE player, giving homegrown talent a chance to shine on the big stage.
What kinds of games can you expect? The league is covering all the bases:
Racing simulations
Fighting games
Traditional sports titles
Other competitive gaming categories
When's It All Going Down?
Mark your calendars! Here's the timeline for the inaugural season:
Late March 2025: Players can start signing up
April 2025: The official draft happens
May 22, 2025: The games begin!
The season runs for three months, with matches happening six days a week.
But it's not just about the competitions - they're throwing in a massive gaming carnival too. Here you can watch pro matches, try out games, and even catch some live performances by international artists.
The organizers are expecting more than 30,000 people to show up throughout the season!
Prize Money
This is where things get really interesting. The EGL isn't playing around when it comes to prize money and player support:
A cool $1 million per season for prizes and player salaries
Dh5.5 million in guaranteed match fees
Another Dh3 million prize pool for the winning teams
Even the team owners are getting a sweet deal:
They get to keep 60% of the revenue
They're guaranteed to get back half of their licensing fee
Plus, they own their team spot forever
Franchisee Acquisition Process
The entry into EGL ownership begins with a formal bidding process:
Interested parties must submit an Invitation to Tender (ITT)
A non-refundable submission fee of $2,000 is required
Successful bidders must pay 10% of the total franchise fee within 10 days
All franchise contracts must be signed by March 12, 2025
The total franchise fee amount remains undisclosed for competitive reasons
Detailed registration information is available on the official EGL website.
The Big Picture
The UAE is betting big on gaming - we're talking about Dh4 billion in investment over the next ten years.
The EGL is shaping up to be more than just another gaming competition. It's a full-blown professional league that's giving players real career opportunities while keeping the spirit of gaming alive and fun.
The league's matches will be broadcast across major streaming platforms including Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming, ensuring global accessibility.
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