Riyadh’s entertainment scene is evolving fast, and esports is at the center of this transformation. Enter Peaks Gaming, an elite Saudi esports team making wave and proving that gaming is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle.
Sponsored by the burger brand Herfy, Peaks was born out of a shared passion for competition. Abdulmajeed Aljameeli, an HR officer by day and esports athlete by night, recalls how the team came together. “We used to game for different teams until we decided to form our own team.’”
Their youngest recruit, Bandar, an 18-year old high school student, juggles intense tournaments with exams, proving that esports success can start early.
From Casual Gamers to Esports Contenders
For Abdulmajeed, it all started with Call of Duty: Black Ops. “I played it so much that it’s the only game I play professionally now. Patience is my greatest weapon.” Meanwhile, Bandar’s journey was more accidental. I was just playing for fun until a friend saw my potential and nudged me into esports. Now, I’m competing against pro teams on weekends and cramming for school during the week.”
But the road to success isn’t without challenges. Player poaching is a major issue in esports, with bigger teams luring top talent away. Despite this, Peaks continues to rise, recently reaching the finals of Deb Gaming in Qatar and N1ZK in the UAE, proving they belong among the best.
Pushing Forward: The Road to Global Competition for PEAKS
For Abdulmajeed, this is about more than just gaming—it’s about shaping the future. “Saudi Arabia is building Qiddiya, a city dedicated to gaming. Esports is part of our future, and I want to be part of that history.”
Peaks has its sights set on competing internationally, with North America’s Challenger League as their next big goal. Training is no joke. Peaks locks in at VOV Gaming in ROSHN Front for multi-day bootcamps, refining their strategies and battling top-tier teams while loading up on energy drinks.
When it’s time to unwind, he prefers Netflix or traveling, while Bandar? “I just sleep—probably too much.”
Gaming, Burgers, and Riyadh’s Thriving Nightlife
Gaming culture has become a key part of Riyadh’s nightlife, and VOV Gaming has become Peaks’ second home. “The setups are top-tier—you can customize everything from lighting to controllers,” says Abdulmajeed.
After matches, the team refuels at Herfy—not just because they’re sponsors, but because, according to the team, “they really do have the best burgers in town.” They’re also spotted at Burger Boutique, proving that great gaming runs on great food.
The Future of Esports in Saudi Arabia
Peaks believes esports is a real career path for Saudi youth, but it demands dedication. “Esports is like any other sport—you have to train from a young age and be nearly unbeatable,” says Abdulmajeed. With initiatives like Vision 2030 and world-class events like the Esports World Cup, gaming is now an industry creating jobs, communities, and new entertainment experiences.
The shift is undeniable. Gaming hubs are now major social hotspots, changing how people experience Riyadh’s nightlife. “Ten years ago, gaming was seen as something for kids. Now, we’re hosting world-class tournaments,” Abdulmajeed says proudly.
“Gone are the days of gamers being isolated in their rooms. We’re out here, building a community.”
To learn more about the PEAKS, visit @peakbase.
