
Red Sea Global Announces Sponsorship of Global Esports Team T1
Red Sea Global (RSG) announced the signing of a three-year strategic partnership agreement with the global esports and entertainment organization T1, during the Esports World Cup currently taking place in Riyadh from July 7 to August 24.
This agreement, according to a press release issued today, marks the world's first collaboration of its kind between a leading luxury destination developer and a prominent esports organization. The agreement was brokered by CAA Sports, the exclusive commercial agent for team T1.
T1 is one of the most prominent esports teams in the Republic of Korea and globally, boasting a long history of success, including winning the League of Legends championship at the inaugural Esports World Cup in 2024. Led by global star Lee Sang-hyeok, who has claimed five world titles, T1 has established itself as a leading force in the esports landscape. The team also competes in several popular games, including VALORANT, TEKKEN 8, EAFC Online, and Overwatch 2, according to the release.
Commenting on the partnership, Head of Environment and Sustainability at RSG Raed Albasseet said: "Esports is experiencing rapid growth and immense popularity among youth worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia. Through this partnership, we aim to reach new audience segments and strengthen our brand's association with values of innovation, excellence, and exceeding expectations — values that T1 embodies perfectly."
Chief Operating Officer at T1 Entertainment & Sports Josh Ahn stated: "Just as T1 strives to lead the esports industry, Red Sea Global seeks to redefine standards of luxury and sustainability in tourism. This partnership unites two visions that share a commitment to mastery and excellence. Together, we look forward to delivering unique experiences that inspire our audiences around the world."
"According to industry estimates, the global esports audience is expected to reach approximately 640.8 million viewers this year, including 318.1 million regular followers and 322.7 million occasional viewers," the release highlighted.
Under the agreement, the RSG logo will appear on T1's official uniforms, and the company will become the main sponsor of T1's video content on its YouTube channel, which boasts over 1.56 million subscribers, especially during major international competitions.
This move, said the release, comes as Saudi Arabia continues to solidify its position as a global hub for sports, entertainment, and innovation.
The Red Sea destination began welcoming guests at the beginning of 2023 and currently includes five luxury resorts and Red Sea International Airport (RSI), which is located within a three-hour flight of 250 million people and eight hours of 85% of the world's population. Furthermore, additional resorts are expected to open on Shura Island in the coming months.
The Amaala destination is preparing to welcome its first guests this year, with ambitions to become the world's leading destination for health and wellness, offering 1,470 hotel rooms across eight luxury resorts managed by top global wellness operators.
The company also inaugurated its third destination, Thuwal Private Retreat, in 2024 as part of its ongoing commitment to developing regenerative and sustainable tourism that inspires the world.