Latest news with #TwistedMinds
Arab News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Saudi eLeague concludes first phase of 2025 season
RIYADH: The Saudi eLeague, the Kingdom's premier esports competition, has seen over 40 clubs take part in the 2025 season. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation and hosted at the SEF Arena in Boulevard Riyadh City, the league showcases the Kingdom's top clubs as they battle across multiple titles and divisions. Participating clubs have so far battled across 10 high-stakes contests, six in the elite category and four in the women category, with valuable points up for grabs at the top of the cross-game leaderboard. The final standings will determine the qualifiers for the championship, the league's most prominent event in which top clubs compete for the ultimate title and a major share of a prize pool worth almost $1.9 million. Twisted Minds lead the pack after the latest round, with Team Falcons second. Al-Qadsiah Esports sit in third, the breakout team of the season, surging up the ranks with wins in both the men's and women's contests. The first phase of the Saudi eLeague season has now concluded, and Abdullah Al-Nasser, head of esports products at the Saudi Esports Federation, said: 'The strong start to this year's Saudi eLeague says a lot about how far the scene has come. 'Compared to previous seasons … we're seeing real progress, more clubs, stronger competition, new talents and growing excitement from the community. 'What matters most is how competitive and intense every match has become. (It is) a platform where Saudi talents and clubs can grow, compete, and shine on bigger stages.' Fans can follow the action live at the SEF Arena or via Saudi eLeague channels on Twitch, YouTube, and social platforms.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Twisted Minds defend Overwatch 2 crown at ESL Saudi Challenge 2025
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia's top Overwatch 2 team, Twisted Minds, have once again stamped their authority on the national stage, successfully defending their title at the ESL Saudi Challenge 2025, held at Riyadh's VOV Gaming Arena. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The high-octane finale saw Twisted Minds overcome a fierce challenge from Al-Qadsiah, who went into the match with a lot of momentum after a decisive win against Team Vision in the semifinals. The final matchup was a showcase of strategy and execution, with Twisted Minds ultimately pulling ahead through superior coordination and championship composure. With the win, they not only retained the title but also secured a berth in the Overwatch Champions Series, the official qualifier for the Esports World Cup. They also claimed the top prize from a $20,000 pool. The ESL Saudi Challenge, launched by ESL FACEIT Group, is part of a broader push to elevate the competitive gaming scene in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. Designed as both a platform for talent and a pipeline to international competitions, the tournament reflects the Kingdom's growing role in the global esports ecosystem. 'The ESL Saudi Challenge is a cornerstone in our long-term commitment to building a thriving and sustainable esports ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region,' said Franck Guignery, the group's senior vice president for MENA. 'Through this tournament, we're not only creating high-level competitive opportunities for local talent but also reinforcing the Kingdom's role as a key player on the global esports map. 'This is just the beginning, we see Saudi and MENA as essential to the future of competitive gaming and we're here to help shape that future.' As Twisted Minds prepare to represent Saudi Arabia in the OWCS, the Kingdom's position as a force in international esports continues to grow. With strategic investments, a strong talent pool and quality infrastructure, the country is no longer just part of the global esports movement it is helping to lead it.
Arab News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Top team to be crowned at ESL Saudi Challenge grand final
RIYADH: The ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 reaches a thrilling climax this Friday at VOV Gaming in Riyadh, where Saudi Arabia's top Overwatch 2 teams are set to battle for regional supremacy and a place on the global stage. The high-stakes tournament will see Team Vision take on Al-Qadsiah in a best-of-five showdown, with the winner advancing to face reigning champions Twisted Minds in a best-of-seven grand final. With qualification for the Overwatch Champions Series and the Esports World Cup at stake, the event is being hailed as a defining moment for the Kingdom's esports scene. This year's ESL Saudi Challenge is playing a crucial role in Saudi Arabia's evolving esports ecosystem. More than just a tournament, it serves as a direct pathway to international competition while highlighting the rising caliber of local talent. Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, the world's leading esports and video game entertainment company, the tournament reflects the Kingdom's broader ambitions to become a global gaming hub. EFG was acquired in 2022 by Savvy Games Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, in a $1.5 billion deal aimed at accelerating the growth of esports in the region. The ESL Saudi Challenge is a key pillar in that strategy, with EFG also serving as the main operating partner for the Esports World Cup over the next five years. The group's involvement marks a long-term vision to build a world-class esports infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and provide new opportunities for players, fans and creators alike. Viewers can tune in to the action live on ESL Arabia's official channels across X, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. As anticipation builds for Friday's final, the event promises not only elite-level Overwatch 2 gameplay, but a powerful statement of intent from a nation rapidly becoming a leader in global esports.
Saudi Gazette
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
Twisted Minds returns to Apex Legends
The ES TIMES — Twisted Minds has officially announced its return to the competitive Apex Legends scene, signing with Stallions, one of the most prominent freestyle teams in North America. This announcement represents the Saudi organization's full commitment to Apex Legends, ahead of the start of the ALGS Open and the continuation of the ALGS Pro League. Although Stallions finished 39th at the ALGS Championship in Sapporo, they have made significant improvements during the offseason. They have added Haris "hodsic" Hodzic, a veteran coach known for his strategic thinking, and Alexander "Enemy" Rodriguez, a controller fragger with extensive LAN tournament experience from his previous appearances with Disguised and Complexity. These additions have elevated Stallions to one of the most promising freestyle teams in the region. Twisted Minds had previously ventured into Apex Legends through a short-term partnership with the Legends Gaming team during the 2024 Apex Legends Esports World Cup. Now, the organization is returning with a long-term investment. Twisted Minds' new lineup in Apex Legends: • Mac Kenzie "Albralelie" Beckwith • Kyle "Crook" Hughes • Alexander "Enemy" Rodriguez • Haris "hodsic" Hodzic (Coach) The team has already shown promise during the ALGS Split 1 Pro League A vs. C matchday, finishing third and winning one of six matches. The chemistry and teamfighting seemed strong, suggesting a promising path for the team. The addition of Hodzic comes at a crucial time. ALGS Year 5 saw significant changes, including the inclusion of Broken Moon and E-District in the map rotation, as well as a new character ban system. Hodsic coached Team Liquid during the Storm Point integration into ALGS and was praised for his quick adaptability, a quality Twisted Minds will benefit from as the meta continues to shift. This new investment in Apex Legends aligns with the organization's larger ambitions. The team finished 12th at the 2024 Esports World Cup Club Championship, and with the 2025 edition just around the corner, returning to Apex gives them a fresh opportunity to compete at a high level. While qualification details for the Apex Legends Championship in Riyadh are still to be announced, the Stallions are well-positioned to make their mark.
