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Arab News
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Arab News
GCC Esports League wraps up second event
RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation has concluded the second event of the GCC Esports League. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Held at the SEF Arena in Riyadh and presented by Korean automotive brand, Genesis, the league saw competition between elite players and esports clubs from across the Gulf Cooperation Council. Turki Al-Fawzan, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: 'Congratulations to all the incredible players who participated in the second edition of the GCC Esports League. This event has been instrumental in fostering the next generation of talent and showcasing the remarkable depth of quality among players from across the GCC. Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to the gaming and esports sector is not only transforming our region but also solidifying our role as a global hub for this dynamic industry.' This year's league featured competition across two fan-favorite titles: EA Sports FC 25 and Street Fighter 6, with a total prize pool of SR100,000 ($26,600), split evenly between the games. Representing their nations and highlighting the depth of emerging talent across the GCC, players from Gulf countries showcased their skills and talents in front of passionate fans at the SEF Arena and a global online audience. Seven clubs representing six GCC countries competed in the EA Sports FC 25 tournament: Team Falcons from Saudi Arabia, TriForce from Kuwait, Al-Nasr Club from the UAE, KHK Esports from Bahrain, Al-Seeb and Al-Nahda from Oman, and Alrayyan from Qatar. In a highly anticipated all-Saudi grand final, Abu Makkah took on Falcon Msdossary7, both from Team Falcons. With a dominant 12-3 victory, FalconMsdossary7 secured the title and reaffirmed his place among the top esports athletes in the region. Nine clubs from six GCC nations participated in the Street Fighter 6 competition, including The Vicious and Twisted Minds from Saudi Arabia, TriForce from Kuwait, Al-Ain Chess and Mind Games Club from the UAE, KHK Esports from Bahrain, Al-Seeb and Al-Nahda from Oman, and S-City and Team Mana from Qatar. The grand final featured a thrilling showdown between Twisted Minds' Latif and Al-Ain Chess and Mind Games Club's GTR. Latif secured a decisive 3-1 victory, marking an emotional and inspiring return to professional play after a seven-year break. 'Winning this tournament means a lot to me,' Latif said. 'Coming back after seven years away from professional competition and proving that I can still compete and win against the best players in the region is an incredible feeling. This special win reminded me that age is just a number when you have the drive and determination to succeed.' Beyond the competition, the 2025 GCC Esports League marked a significant step toward deeper regional collaboration, as the Saudi Esports Federation signed five memoranda of understanding with esports governing bodies from Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. 'These memoranda of understanding with our GCC counterparts mark a pivotal moment for the region's esports ecosystem,' Al-Fawzan said. 'Strategic collaboration is paramount to fostering talent development, launching impactful education initiatives and strengthening grassroots growth across the GCC, ultimately elevating the gaming and esports ecosystem on the global stage.'
Arab News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi Esports Federation launches second edition of GCC competition
RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation is set to host the second edition of the GCC Esports League on July 21-22 at the SEF Arena in Riyadh. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The tournament gathers leading players from across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council): The UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. It is presented by the global luxury automotive brand Genesis. Players will compete across two of the world's leading games, EA FC 25 and Street Fighter 6, for a total prize pool of almost SR100,000 ($26,000). Turki Al-Fawzan, CEO of the SEF, said: 'We are delighted that the league is returning for its second edition following a successful and highly competitive first edition in 2024. 'We are excited to witness elite competitive gaming from leading esports athletes from across the GCC countries, and (to) experience the passion of the fans as they watch the next generation of gaming heroes stamp their authority on the competition. 'The fans in the GCC countries are known across the world for their vibrant, unwavering support for home-grown talent and their knowledge of esports. 'Once again the tournament will provide a leading platform for players in the region to elevate their skills and continue their development as part of a comprehensive sustainable gaming and esports ecosystem here in Riyadh.' Omar Al-Zubaidi, CEO at Genesis Middle East and Africa, said: 'At Genesis we are proud to support platforms that empower the next generation, whether through bold automotive innovation or the evolving world of competitive gaming. 'As presenting partner of the GCC Esports League, we are honored to celebrate the creativity, ambition, and talent of the region's rising champions, and to play a role in fostering a future shaped by excellence across all arenas.'' The second edition of the GCC Esports League also serves as an official qualifier for the Street Fighter 6 tournament at the Esports World Cup 2025, creating pathways for players to make significant progress in their esports careers with opportunities to compete against the world's leading players. The league supports the SEF's aims to champion regional esports development and nurture talent at all levels, from amateur players to professional esports athletes, while showcasing Riyadh as one of the world's leading hubs for esports and gaming.
