Turkey to be represented by IDA Esports at PUBG Mobile World Cup in Riyadh

Turkey to be represented by IDA Esports at PUBG Mobile World Cup in Riyadh

In a historic moment for Turkey's burgeoning esports industry, the European Finals of the PUBG MOBILE Super League (PMSL) were held in Istanbul last month, marking a significant turning point for the country's esports scene.

The finals, which took place from July 4-6, saw top-tier teams from Europe and the Middle East battle it out for a chance to secure a spot in the PUBG MOBILE World Cup, with a total prize pool of $200,000 up for grabs and four slots on offer for the coveted event.

One of the teams that made a strong impression was IDA Esports, a Turkish team under the umbrella of Ihlas Holding. The team demonstrated exceptional teamwork and tactical discipline during the finals, securing a third-place finish overall and earning a spot in the PUBG MOBILE World Cup later this month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Can Gursu, country manager for Tencent Turkey, expressed his excitement about the event, stating that it was a step towards building the future of esports in Turkey. Gursu went on to say that Turkey is becoming one of the architects of the esports culture, a testament to the country's growing influence in the industry.

The PUBG MOBILE Super League operates as a professional circuit for one of the most widely played mobile games worldwide, PUBG MOBILE, which boasts hundreds of millions of players globally. The event in Istanbul was not only a showcase of competitive gaming but also a celebration of Turkey's growing presence in the global esports scene.

The Turkish esports and video game industry is currently experiencing robust growth, driven primarily by mobile gaming and innovations such as AI-powered development tools. In 2024, the broader Turkish video game market expanded by more than 20% to reach a value of $695 million, with mobile games accounting for 54% of that revenue—approximately $375 million.

This growth is supported by a surge in the number of players, increasing domestic game studios, and significant investment, positioning Turkey among the top three countries for gaming investments in Europe and the Middle East since 2021.

The future prospects for esports in Turkey look promising, with the Turkish video game industry aiming for $750 million in revenue by the end of 2025. The rise of AI in game development, the increase in domestic studios, and the focus on mobile games and cultural proximity are all factors that contribute to a bright future for both esports participation and industry revenue growth in Turkey.

Young people in Turkey are gaining valuable skills in teamwork, strategic thinking, and digital creativity through competitive gaming, making the country's growing presence in the global esports scene even more significant. With Turkey hosting a major stage of the PMSL for the first time and local teams like IDA Esports reaching the international spotlight, it's clear that Turkey's stake in the fast-growing esports industry is only set to rise.

Millions of fans tuned in online to watch the tournament in Istanbul, demonstrating the growing interest and support for esports in Turkey. As the country continues to invest in and develop its esports industry, it's likely that we'll see even more exciting developments in the years to come.

1. The European Finals of the PUBG MOBILE Super League (PMSL), which marked a significant turning point for Turkey's esports scene, were held in Istanbul, a city located in Turkey.
2. One of the teams that competed in the finals, IDA Esports, is a Turkish team under the umbrella of Ihlas Holding, showcasing the increasing influence of Turkish teams in the global esports scene.
3. Can Gursu, the country manager for Tencent Turkey, expressed his excitement about the event, stating that it was a step towards building the future of esports in Turkey, a country that is growing to become one of the architects of the esports culture.
4. The PUBG MOBILE Super League, which operates as a professional circuit for one of the most widely played mobile games worldwide, PUBG MOBILE, includes teams from various regions, including the Middle East, demonstrating the global reach and impact of Turkish esports teams like IDA Esports.

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