Latest news with #ESTIMES
Saudi Gazette
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Games confirmed for the SNK World Championship 2025, SNK's global fighting game tournament!
The ES TIMES — City of the Wolves alone will feature a total prize pool of $2,500,000 (SR9,375,000), and the tournament winner will receive $1,500,000 (SR5,625,000)! SNK World Championship 2025 is an esports tournament where players from around the world compete to become the best in the world of SNK fighting games. Qualifying tournaments will be held in several regions around the world, culminating in the final tournament in the United States at the end of 2025. In addition to the qualifiers currently underway for THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV and SAMURAI SHODOWN, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves will join this year as a headliner! The total prize pool for all City of the Wolves qualifying and final tournaments exceeds $2,500,000 (SR9,375,000), with the grand prize for the champion set to be $1,500,000 (SR5,625,000). Additional details regarding prizes, qualifying tournament dates, and more will be announced soon. Don't miss this opportunity! We reviewed the game and gave it a 9/10. Raouf Belhamra said of the game: 'Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves represents a historic return for SNK's venerable series, combining authenticity with modernity. With innovative gameplay, vibrant graphics, and music that captures the spirit of the series, the game delivers a masterpiece worthy of the return of a legend after more than two decades. Despite some minor interface flaws and some controversial additions, its combat, story, and technical performance make it one of the best fighting games of all time and a benchmark for the new generation of the genre.' SNK's beloved Fatal Fury series debuted in 1991 and was one of the first games to lead the fighting game wave that swept the industry in the 1990s. Garou: Mark of the Wolves, released in 1999, was for a long time the last entry in the series... But now all that changes: 26 years later, a brand new installment is coming - Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves! The game features a unique art style that stimulates the senses, an innovative REV system that heightens the excitement, and a set of new combat systems that are more powerful than ever. The game also brings new life to the series by introducing two different control schemes to ensure enjoyment for beginners and professionals alike, along with all-new features and elements. The streets of South Town are filled with excitement, wild dreams, and the craziest ambitions. And here, finally, a new legend is about to be born... Raouf Belhamra – Esports and Gaming writer
Saudi Gazette
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
EA SPORTS FC Series Asia presented by Visa: Qualifiers kick off in the world's leading mobile market
The ES TIMES — Celebrity competitors, global football icons, top influencers, and fans of EA SPORTS FC Mobile will converge on Asia as part of the new EA SPORTS FC Series Asia presented by Visa. The partnership between EA SPORTS and Visa will see the competition expand to four key markets over the next two years: Bangkok, Vietnam, Australia, and Singapore. Building on the success of last year's FC Pro Tour, the regional series offers expanded opportunities for EA SPORTS FC Mobile fans to compete on the virtual pitch for prizes and local glory, but in a broader entertainment festival. 'With over 1.5 billion mobile gamers across Asia, EA SPORTS FC Mobile is at the heart of football's intersection with gaming. We deliver authentic, competitive, and highly entertaining experiences. By partnering with Visa, we are proud to launch one of our most ambitious mobile football events ever, designed to celebrate and fulfill the passion of football fans across the region,' said Jamie McKinlay, Senior Vice President of Publishing for Asia at Electronic Arts. The EA SPORTS FC Asia Series kicks off with the FC Mobile Bangkok Festival, a two-day event taking place at PCC Hall Central Ladprao in Bangkok, Thailand, on June 14 and 15, featuring competitors from Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Korea, Australia, India, and the Middle East. On June 14, regional pros and influencers will compete in the Pro-Am exhibition tournament to determine who will receive the ultimate bragging rights. The following day, competitors will compete in a $30,000 USD (SR112,500) tournament, where the best professionals will face off for regional glory. Tournament spots will be secured through direct invitationals and regional qualifiers prior to the event. Champions will not only receive cash and influence, but also earn a spot in future EA SPORTS FC Asia Series events presented by Visa. Danielle Jin, Head of Marketing, Visa Asia Pacific, said: 'Visa is delighted to partner with EA Sports as the presenting partner of the FC Mobile Festival. This partnership places Visa at the heart of one of the most culturally relevant and influential platforms in gaming. With the emergence of a new generation of digital and mobile gamers, Gen Z and Gen A, in the Asia Pacific region, Visa is constantly working to provide an immersive gaming experience, while ensuring transactions are fast, secure, and seamlessly integrated into the gaming environment. We look forward to elevating gamers everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid in gaming across the region.' But the excitement doesn't stop there. Watch the magic of football live, including a Q&A session with an unexpected global football legend, and we'll witness captivating live performances from some of Thailand's and Southeast Asia's brightest musical a host of exciting interactive activities from FC Mobile's premium football partners:Take to the pitch in an exclusive three-a-side football arena powered by the Premier LeagueCapture legendary Liverpool FC dressing room momentsTest your skills in a dynamic and interactive football challenge presented by Paris Saint-GermainGet up close and personal with the Premier League trophyAnd for collectors, fans can purchase limited-edition official FC Mobile Thailand Capsule merchandise, available exclusively at the event. A portion of the proceeds will support communities affected by the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand.
Saudi Gazette
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
PUBG Nations Cup 2025 sees major expansion with 24 national teams
The ES TIMES — KRAFTON has officially revealed the return of the PUBG Nations Cup (PNC) 2025. This year, the tournament will see a significant expansion, with 24 national teams participating, up from the previous edition's 16, reflecting a clear ambition to deliver a more intense and competitive edition. The fifth edition of this international event will be held in late July at the Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul, South Korea, marking a significant development for one of the most popular tournaments in PUBG history. Last year's edition was held at the KyungHee Grand Peace Hall, also in Seoul, where South Korea won the title after defeating the United States, taking home the largest share of a total prize pool of $548,932 (DZD 72,769,719.51, equivalent to SR 2,059,722.96). This figure includes a base prize pool of $300,000 (39,769,800.00 DZD, equivalent to SR1,125,671.10), in addition to community contributions through 30% of PNC 2024 skin sales. According to Esports Charts, the 2024 edition reached 510,997 viewers at its peak, making it the third most-watched event in PUBG Esports history. In the 2025 edition, South Korea returns as the defending champions, alongside 15 teams from previous editions. Denmark and India return after an absence, while France, Poland, Spain, the Philippines, Sweden, and Malaysia are entering the tournament for the first time. Full list of participating teams: Americas: • Argentina, Brazil, Canada, United States Asia: • South Korea, China, Chinese Taipei, India, Japan Europe: • Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom APAC: • Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam The final team rosters are still under wraps. Players are typically selected through a vote among PUBG pros in each region, although selection methods may vary from region to region. KRAFTON also hinted at changes to the tournament's structure, including a revised schedule beyond the traditional three-day format. Additional details regarding the new format, ticket sales, and live audience experiences will be revealed soon. As with previous editions, PUBG Nations Cup 2025 will include a Fanfest, offering exclusive activities and experiences for PUBG fans attending the event live. Sami Belhamra – Esports and Gaming writer
Saudi Gazette
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Esports World Cup 2025 reveals full schedule
The ES TIMES — The Esports World Cup 2025 has officially revealed its full schedule, confirming 25 tournaments across 24 different eSports disciplines. The competition will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over seven weeks from July 7 to August 24, 2025, with a record prize pool of $70 million (262,656,590.00 Saudi Riyals), making it one of the largest tournaments in the history of eSports. This year, more than 2,000 players from 200 teams will participate, competing in a wide variety of games. Here's the breakdown of events by week: Week 1: VALORANT, Apex Legends, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, Rennsport, Dota 2 Week 2: League of Legends, Dota 2, MLBB Women's Invitational, Honor of Kings, Free Fire Week 3: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, StarCraft II, MLBB Mid-Season Cup, PUBG Mobile, Honor of Kings Week 4: Overwatch 2, PUBG Mobile, Chess, MLBB Mid-Season Cup Week 5: Call of Duty: Warzone, Rainbow Six Siege X, EA Sports FC 25 Week 6: Rocket League, PUBG Battlegrounds, Teamfight Tactics, Tekken 8 Week 7: Counter-Strike 2, CrossFire: Mercenary Forces Corporation, Street Fighter 6 One of the highlights of this year's tournament is the integration of several mid-season tournaments into existing global tournaments, such as Honor. of Kings and Overwatch 2. Chess also marks its debut as the first traditional sport to join the Esports World Cup. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) will be a key pillar, hosting the Mid-Season Cup 2025 and the return of the Women's Invitational to showcase the best women's teams in the MLBB scene. Valve's top games will be a pivotal part of the event, with Dota 2 concluding the ESL Pro Tour Season 3 with the Esports World Cup, formerly known as the Riyadh Masters. Meanwhile, Counter-Strike 2 will feature as a main event with a prize pool of $1.25 million (4,690,296.25 Saudi Riyals). The Esports World Cup 2025 promises exciting competitive rounds and unforgettable moments for gaming fans around the world. In addition to individual tournaments, organizations will compete for Club World Cup Championship points and the opportunity to join the 2025 EWCF Club Partner Program. Raouf Belhamra – Esports and Gaming writer
Saudi Gazette
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
SEF Arena opens in Riyadh, marking a new era for esports in Saudi Arabia
The ES TIMES — Riyadh witnessed the opening of the SEF Arena, an event considered a major turning point in the development of esports in Saudi Arabia and the region. The launch is seen as a strategic milestone ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 Esports World Cup. At the opening ceremony, the CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation described the arena as "the place where champions are made," emphasizing that it will be a launching pad for Saudi talent to reach the global level. The SEF Arena is located in Riyadh City Boulevard and spans over 34,000 square meters. Designed to be an integrated destination for gaming enthusiasts, it includes: • Five halls dedicated to tournaments, each with a capacity of more than 1,000 spectators. • A main hall with a capacity of approximately 2,200 fans. • Advanced training spaces. • Spectator areas, restaurants, cafes, and shops. • A permanent center for the Saudi Esports Academy • The arena is equipped with the latest display and broadcasting technology, and is among the largest and most advanced in the world for esports. Partnerships have been announced with prominent Saudi teams in the scene: • Team Falcons: will benefit from training facilities and fan events within the arena. • Twisted Minds: will use the arena to strengthen its competitive presence. • R8 Esports: aims to expand its international participation. • The Ultimates: seeks to develop its talent within a professional environment. • Savvy Games Group: will contribute to organizing tournaments and attracting international events. These partnerships aim to: • Provide a stable, professional environment for training and competition. • Support the administrative and financial stability of the teams. • Raise the level of Saudi players through continuous training and competition. • Increase audience engagement and build a stronger fan base. • Attract technology and sports investments to the local market. The SEF Arena will be the official home of the new Saudi Esports League in 2025. All official matches will be held there, giving the league a professional and organized feel. The arena will also host grand finals, fan experiences, and events for influencers and creators, making it a permanent entertainment hub for gaming fans in Saudi Arabia. Representatives of the participating teams agreed that the opening of the SEF Arena is a true game-changer and a platform that will propel Saudi teams towards global competition. The SEF Arena affirms the Kingdom's ambition to be a global leader in gaming and esports and represents a new step toward a future filled with opportunity and creativity. Mehdi Belhamra – Esports and Gaming writer
