When Saudi Arabia’s YouTube scene was still in its infancy, one teenager from Al Zahran quietly pressed “record” on his screen and unknowingly began building one of the Kingdom’s most influential digital brands. Today, Saleh Alzahrani, better known as oPiiLz, commands millions of loyal fans, a seat among Saudi Arabia’s top esports professionals, and a voice that resonates across borders.
Early Life & Foundations
Born in Al Zahran, Saleh entered the YouTube scene in 2010–2011, when Saudi’s digital creators could be counted on one hand. Names like Dahoomi, Khalid Kuwait, Ayoub (Minecraft), Saudi Gamer (Adel), and Minecraft Zombie dominated the space.
Inspired by playing Zombies and Minecraft, Saleh began recording and uploading his gameplay while still in high school. He went straight into the workforce after graduation, channeling his focus and resourcefulness into building a content career. His early uploads were raw yet magnetic, humor, energy, and relatability pulling in viewers long before “content creator” became a household term.
From YouTuber to Esports Champion
Today, Saleh is more than a YouTuber, he’s a professional gamer representing Team Falcons, one of Saudi Arabia’s top esports organizations. Competing on the digital stage and attending high-profile tournaments, he blends competitive skill with storytelling, giving fans both the thrill of the game and the personality behind it.
"Even if you make mistakes, experience is the best teacher."
As a Team Falcons member, Saleh acts as an ambassador for Saudi creativity, proving that gaming is not just entertainment, it’s a legitimate industry aligned with Vision 2030’s push for cultural and economic diversification.
A Digital Community of Millions
By the mid 2020s, Saleh had built a loyal following. His Instagram account opiilz now has over 1 million followers, while his YouTube channel commands 9.7 million subscribers and over 2.8 billion total views. These numbers represent a thriving digital community that actively engages, laughs, and learns alongside him.
"I believe that positive change should be in the quality of the content, not in changing the content itself"
Championing Saudi Creativity Through Esports
Beyond competition, Saleh uses his platform with Team Falcons to promote Saudi creativity, highlighting gaming as a thriving industry that aligns with Vision 2030’s cultural and economic goals. His work bridges the worlds of professional esports and mainstream entertainment, a dual influence that earned him the Best Content Creator of the Year award from the Saudi Esports Federation in 2024.
Content Style & Appeal
Saleh’s content blends gaming mastery through story-driven playthroughs, survival challenges, and lively squad banter with lifestyle vlogs that take viewers behind the scenes, from travel diaries to fan meetups. He also delivers quick-hit comedy across Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok, using sharp wit and fast-paced editing to keep audiences entertained and engaged. His bright yellow avatar, neon-infused visuals, and Arabic captions make his content instantly recognizable, both locally and across the Arab world.
National Influence & Cultural Legacy
Saleh embodies Vision 2030’s mission to diversify Saudi Arabia’s cultural and creative industries. By elevating gaming into a respected form of cultural expression, he contributes to a national shift that celebrates innovation, skill, and youthful ambition.
If you’re comfortable in your field, you’ll give your best.
He acts as a cultural bridge, connecting Saudi youth to the global gaming stage and reshaping perceptions of Saudi talent. His career challenges outdated narratives, proving that Saudi creators can compete, collaborate, and excel internationally.
A Bold Symbol of Saudi Creativity
Saleh embodies the energy, ambition, and creativity that define Saudi Arabia’s transformation. His career proves that passion, when paired with discipline, can evolve into a profession with global impact. Through his content, he influences how the world sees Saudi youth, showing that they are not only participants in the global digital economy but leaders shaping it.
His story is a reflection of the Kingdom’s own journey innovative, determined, and ready to take its place on the world stage.
Looking Ahead
OPiiLz’s journey offers a roadmap for the next generation of Saudi creators. His mix of gaming skill, cultural authenticity, and entrepreneurial drive captures the spirit of a nation on the rise confident, connected, and determined to make an indelible mark on the global stage.
Follow Saleh Alzahrani's Journey:
YouTube oPiiLz | Instagram opiilz |
X IoPilZ | TikTok opiilz | Snapchat oPiiLz | Kick opiilz
