Hiring to Build An Esports Empire in Saudi Arabia

Summary

In this episode of the Gamers Change Lives podcast, host Tom Leonard speaks with Sultan and Nestor from Saudi Arabia about their journeys in the gaming and eSports industry. They discuss the rapid growth of eSports in Saudi Arabia, the establishment of Levels Gaming Group, and the importance of networking in securing jobs in the industry. Sultan shares insights on the hiring process and the qualities they look for in potential employees, emphasizing the significance of chemistry and cultural fit within the organization. In this conversation, Sultan and Nestor discuss the importance of cultural fit in hiring, especially in a remote work environment. They emphasize the need for flexibility and cultural awareness when working with diverse teams. The discussion also covers effective communication tools, the onboarding process for new employees, and the value of bringing in diverse perspectives for team collaboration. Finally, they provide advice for those looking to enter the eSports industry, highlighting the significance of networking and continuous learning.

Takeaways

Sultan started his gaming company in 2018 while working full-time. Nestor transitioned from retail and automotive to the gaming industry through Nintendo. Saudi Arabia has a young population, with 70% under 30 years old. The pandemic accelerated the growth of gaming and eSports in Saudi Arabia. Gamers 8 became the largest eSport event ever created worldwide. Sultan created his own job as CEO of Levels Gaming Group. Networking is crucial for job opportunities in eSports. Hiring is a process of trial and error, focusing on cultural fit. LinkedIn can be a source of scams, so caution is advised. Chemistry with potential hires is essential for a successful team. Cultural fit is crucial in hiring decisions. Remote work requires a different approach to communication and management. Flexibility is essential for remote teams, especially across different cultures. Effective tools like Slack can enhance team communication. Onboarding should be straightforward and involve clear expectations. Diverse perspectives can lead to innovative ideas in team settings. Networking is key for entering the eSports industry. Understanding cultural differences can improve team dynamics. Mistakes are part of the learning process in new industries. Remove ego and be open to learning from others.

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Featured in this episode:

Sultan Alsaad is the Founder & CEO of Levelz Gaming Group, leading initiatives to drive gaming & esports development in Saudi Arabia. With extensive experience in sports marketing, Sultan has also served as a Marketing Officer at the Saudi Pro League. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Marketing Management from The Manchester Metropolitan University and has been actively contributing to the growth of esports and professional gaming in the region.

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sultan-alsaad/

Nestor Elizondo : After spending 10 years as marketing executive for companies in different industries, Nestor got into the videogame and Esports industry now having 15+ years in the field. Started at Nintendo Mexico as Marketing Manager in 2006 and was responsible for all marketing/advertising & promotional activities. He also played a key role in the continued development of strategic plans for brand growth and increase sales. After Nintendo, Nestor has worked as an independent consultant in a wide variety of areas in the esports industry, ranging from strategic planning, operations, marketing, streaming, etc.  Within esports, he´s consulted for Allied Esports in their partnership with Trovo and TvAzteca, Warriors International, Gamurs Group (Dotesports.com / gamepur.com / csgo-stats.com), OpTic Gaming, The EACL, MEL (Mexican Esports League), LMV (Liga Mexicana de Videojuegos) amongst others. Nestor is currently the Chief Operations O