Mario Perez driving esports growth in the region

The Catalyst sat down with Mario Perez, CEO, MENA Tech Entertainment, for an insightful on-camera interview on the transformative role of gaming and esports in the region. In this exclusive conversation, Mario explores how gaming is evolving beyond entertainment to become a powerful tool for education, skill development, and career readiness. He reflects on his experience judging a student Gaming Hackathon inspired by UAE heritage, emphasizing the intersection of local culture and gaming in shaping young minds.

The discussion highlights MENATech’s efforts to connect gaming with real-world opportunities in tech, media, and marketing, the role of public-private partnerships in driving industry growth, and the latest trends among Gen Z gamers. Mario also shares his perspective on how brands in MENA are embracing game-based advertising and outlines strategies to make esports more inclusive for women, students, and underrepresented communities, ensuring a thriving and diverse gaming ecosystem in the region.

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