CEO Insights Magazine

Esports has rapidly evolved from a niche corner of gaming culture into a global economic and entertainment powerhouse. With millions of players and spectators across continents, competitive gaming has unlocked an industry where digital skills, creativity, and strategy translate into real-world value.

Today, esports arenas rival traditional stadiums, brands invest heavily in sponsorships, and streaming icons shape new-age celebrity. For businesses, it has become the most direct avenue to engage tech-savvy audiences who live, play, and socialize online.

For Rasul Akhmedov, this explosive shift is more than a commercial wave; it represents the future of entertainment and community. His entrepreneurial philosophy is rooted in three core beliefs: people, learning, and foresight.

A visionary idea means nothing without a passionate and capable team driving it. Adaptability is equally crucial in fast-moving industries; leaders must stay curious, informed, and constantly evolving. Predicting the next demand before others recognize it is a mindset he has deeply embedded in his journey.

This forward-thinking approach ultimately led Rasul to create Esport Arena, one of Dubai’s most immersive gaming destinations. Located strategically on Sheik Zayed Road, the same iconic stretch as Burj Al Arab, it stands at the intersection of convenience and premium lifestyle.

Designed as a “second home” for gamers, the space blends high-performance PCs with community-driven entertainment: tournaments, cinematic screenings, billiards, great food, and vibrant social experiences.

With soaring ceilings and a welcoming atmosphere, Esport Arena isn’t just a venue; it’s a growing cultural hub where friendships form, passions thrive, and the future of gaming takes shape.

What are the significant challenges you faced initially, and what strategies you deployed to forge a strong presence in the market?

If I talk about the biggest challenge, honestly, it was everything. A new country, a new culture, unfamiliar regulations and paperwork, and of course, a completely new market. On top of that, we were introducing a brand that was essentially born here in Dubai; absolutely everything was new.

We created something very unique, a venue that you really have to see and experience to understand. We aimed to establish a genuine gaming hub. Marketing became one of our toughest challenges because, as a new brand, trust matters a lot. We needed to show the community that we had the right equipment, the right environment, and the right attitude.

But we did it. We built a strong and rapidly growing community of gamers, and earning their trust was the hardest and most important achievement. We operate 24/7, and there aren’t many gaming spaces in the world that can say that. The place is the largest, with 9-meter-high ceilings and a cinema featuring 70 super-comfortable seats, with the potential to double, located in the heart of Dubai.

Which latest innovations have you incorporated into your platform?

Gaming is always at the forefront of modern innovation and cutting-edge technology. That’s why every PC and every facility we offer is top-tier. You simply cannot attract gamers without high-end performance. For us, advanced technology isn’t optional; it’s essential.

How do you guide your team to provide top-tier guidance and mentorship for players aiming to excel in their respective games?

The team is everything. In my view, people perform best when they have freedom, but with clear boundaries. I believe in offering limited yet meaningful flexibility, enough for each person to show their strengths and approach tasks in the way that suits them best.

It allows me to observe where they excel and where they need support. When I see someone thriving in a particular area, I help them grow by adding greater responsibility and ensuring they are rewarded for it. That’s how we develop together. That’s how a team should work.

What is your future roadmap, going forward?

We are already planning for the future, and over the next few years, we aim to expand into a chain of Esport Arenas. The business model is strong and scalable, making it ideal for franchising. We have built something that can be replicated at a high standard across multiple locations.

In fact, we have already initiated discussions in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and we are excited to see Esport Arena grow beyond Dubai.

In light of your strong professional experience, what would your advice be to budding industry leaders?

There’s always something driving oneself, a spark that drives you forward. And when you let that spark shine, it inspires others around you too. So don’t be afraid; keep moving ahead, always. Some of the most powerful ideas are born in moments of uncertainty, when you have no clear solution or path.

That’s when insight strikes- in a dream, a quiet moment, or when every option feels exhausted. Innovation often arrives when you are brave enough to continue despite not knowing the answer.

Akhmedov Rasul, Founder, Esport Arena

Akhmedov Rasul is an entrepreneur shaping the future of gaming entertainment in the Middle East. As the Founder of Esport Arena, one of Dubai’s most immersive and premium gaming destinations, he is redefining how communities connect through technology and play. Rasul blends leadership, innovation, and an instinct for emerging trends to build experiences that resonate with the fast-growing esports generation. Driven by passion and foresight, he continues to scale Esport Arena into a global brand, pioneering a vibrant culture where competition, creativity, and connection come together.

 Hobbies: Sailing, Diving, Traveling, and Gaming 

Favorite Travel Destinations: Thailand, the Caribbean, and the Canary Islands

Favorite Books: Zero to One by Peter Thiel; The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

Favorite Cuisine: Dagestani food