EStars, a company that runs educational esports programmes, has partnered with Holiday Inn, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, to set up gaming stations in four hotels across Saudi Arabia.
The new spaces, called “Elite Gaming Pods”, are meant to give hotel guests somewhere to play video games during their stay. Each pod is a dedicated area fitted with gaming PCs and consoles, along with a selection of popular games. The idea is simple: instead of just a TV and a minibar, guests at these hotels will also have access to a proper gaming setup.
As part of the agreement, the pods are now open at four locations, including Holiday Inn Riyadh Business District, Holiday Inn Riyadh Al Malaz, Holiday Inn Jeddah Corniche and Holiday Inn & Suites Al Khobar.
Both companies say this is just the starting point. Future plans include gaming tournaments, community events, and collaborations with gaming influencers, along with prizes such as free hotel stays, meals at hotel restaurants, and IHG One Rewards points for guests who take part. Neither company has shared financial details of the deal or how long the partnership will run.
Mags Byrne, Founder and CEO at EStars, said in a LinkedIn post, “I am absolutely delighted to see this partnership between EStars and global leaders in hospitality IHG Hotels & Resorts. The Elite Gaming Pods at Holiday Inn offer both guests and visitors a unique and special gaming experience with so much more to come.”
This isn’t the first time IHG has worked with an esports entity. In September 2025, the hotel group partnered with the King Pro League (KPL), one of China’s biggest mobile esports competitions. IHG has also worked with German football club RB Leipzig, becoming an official partner of the club’s esports team, RBLZ Gaming, as part of a wider sponsorship deal with the club.
