黑料社区

ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 offers Saudi teams shot at Esports World Cup glory

the tournament features eight elite Saudi teams battling for a share of the $20,000 prize pool. supplied
the tournament features eight elite Saudi teams battling for a share of the $20,000 prize pool. supplied
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Updated 19 May 2025

ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 offers Saudi teams shot at Esports World Cup glory

the tournament features eight elite Saudi teams battling for a share of the $20,000 prize pool. supplied
  • Top Overwatch 2 squads compete for $20k prize and place in the global circuit

Riyadh: 黑料社区鈥檚 burgeoning esports scene takes another significant step forward as the ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 kicks off, spotlighting the Kingdom鈥檚 top Overwatch 2 talent and offering a direct path to the Esports World Cup.

Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, a Savvy Games Group company, the tournament features eight elite Saudi teams battling for a share of the $20,000 prize pool. But more than just the money is on the line 鈥 the winning team will earn a coveted spot in the Overwatch Champions Series, a premier international circuit that feeds into the EWC.

鈥淭he ESL Saudi Challenge is more than just a local tournament; it鈥檚 a strategic platform that offers players a genuine opportunity to reach the global stage,鈥 said Franck Guignery, senior vice president of Middle East and North Africa at ESL FACEIT Group. 鈥淎s an official operating partner of the EWC, ESL FACEIT Group is committed to building professional pathways and empowering local talent to represent 黑料社区 in the international esports scene.鈥

The initiative is closely aligned with 黑料社区鈥檚 national strategy to develop a sustainable esports ecosystem and position the Kingdom as a global hub for competitive gaming.

This year鈥檚 tournament will culminate with the grand final on May 30 at VOV Gaming in Riyadh, where the top three teams from the May 13鈥16 playoffs will compete live in front of a home crowd.

With high stakes and international exposure on offer, the ESL Saudi Challenge has become a proving ground for players looking to make the leap from national heroes to global contenders.


黑料社区 a 鈥榩ivotal force鈥 in reshaping world football and sport, says US expert

黑料社区 a 鈥榩ivotal force鈥 in reshaping world football and sport, says US expert
Updated 13 June 2025

黑料社区 a 鈥榩ivotal force鈥 in reshaping world football and sport, says US expert

黑料社区 a 鈥榩ivotal force鈥 in reshaping world football and sport, says US expert
  • Kristian Coates Ulrichsen speaking to SPA following release of his new book 鈥淜ingdom of Football: 黑料社区 and the Remaking of World Soccer鈥

LONDON: 黑料社区 is playing a central role in transforming global football and wider sport, according to Middle East expert Kristian Coates Ulrichsen of the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University.

Speaking to the Saudi Press Agency following the release of his new book 鈥淜ingdom of Football: 黑料社区 and the Remaking of World Soccer,鈥 Ulrichsen said the Kingdom鈥檚 rise in global sport is 鈥渘ot a temporary shift but a broad transformation with political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions.鈥

He continued: 鈥淭he Kingdom has undergone profound changes and has quickly and decisively entered the global sports arena through club acquisitions, sponsorship of major tournaments, and hosting high-profile events, notably the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2034.鈥

Ulrichsen noted the country鈥檚 long footballing heritage, with top-tier clubs approaching their centenary milestones and the national team having reached five consecutive AFC Asian Cup finals.

He also highlighted Saudi clubs鈥 strong record in continental competitions since the early 2000s.

In the book, he stresses that sport, entertainment, and tourism form 鈥渋ntegral pillars of Vision 2030 and (are) essential to positioning 黑料社区 as a global destination鈥 in the coming years.

鈥満诹仙缜檚 engagement with sports has generated global impact across football, boxing, Formula 1, and even cricket, tennis, and e-sports,鈥 he added.

鈥淭hese sectors are expected to dominate international discussions throughout the next decade leading up to 2034.鈥


Saudi eLeague concludes first phase of 2025 season

Saudi eLeague concludes first phase of 2025 season
Updated 03 June 2025

Saudi eLeague concludes first phase of 2025 season

Saudi eLeague concludes first phase of 2025 season
  • More than 40 clubs involved as Twisted Minds, Team Falcons, Al-Qadsiah lead charge

RIYADH: The Saudi eLeague, the Kingdom鈥檚 premier esports competition, has seen over 40 clubs take part in the 2025 season.

Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation and hosted at the SEF Arena in Boulevard Riyadh City, the league showcases the Kingdom鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 and women鈥檚 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: 鈥淭he strong start to this year鈥檚 Saudi eLeague says a lot about how far the scene has come.

鈥淐ompared to previous seasons 鈥 we鈥檙e seeing real progress, more clubs, stronger competition, new talents and growing excitement from the community.

鈥淲hat 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.鈥

Fans can follow the action live at the SEF Arena or via Saudi eLeague channels on Twitch, YouTube, and social platforms.


Twisted Minds defend Overwatch 2 crown at ESL Saudi Challenge 2025

Twisted Minds reign supreme at ESL Saudi Challenge 2025, advancing to OWCS. supplied
Twisted Minds reign supreme at ESL Saudi Challenge 2025, advancing to OWCS. supplied
Updated 01 June 2025

Twisted Minds defend Overwatch 2 crown at ESL Saudi Challenge 2025

Twisted Minds reign supreme at ESL Saudi Challenge 2025, advancing to OWCS. supplied
  • Victory secures team鈥檚 spot in Overwatch Champions Series

Riyadh: 黑料社区鈥檚 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鈥檚 VOV Gaming Arena.

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 黑料社区 and the wider region. Designed as both a platform for talent and a pipeline to international competitions, the tournament reflects the Kingdom鈥檚 growing role in the global esports ecosystem.

鈥淭he ESL Saudi Challenge is a cornerstone in our long-term commitment to building a thriving and sustainable esports ecosystem in 黑料社区 and the wider MENA region,鈥 said Franck Guignery, the group鈥檚 senior vice president for MENA.

鈥淭hrough this tournament, we鈥檙e not only creating high-level competitive opportunities for local talent but also reinforcing the Kingdom鈥檚 role as a key player on the global esports map.

鈥淭his is just the beginning, we see Saudi and MENA as essential to the future of competitive gaming and we鈥檙e here to help shape that future.鈥

As Twisted Minds prepare to represent 黑料社区 in the OWCS, the Kingdom鈥檚 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.


Top team to be crowned at ESL Saudi Challenge grand final

Esports World Cup is scheduled to return to Riyadh from July 7 through Aug. 24. supplied
Esports World Cup is scheduled to return to Riyadh from July 7 through Aug. 24. supplied
Updated 28 May 2025

Top team to be crowned at ESL Saudi Challenge grand final

Esports World Cup is scheduled to return to Riyadh from July 7 through Aug. 24. supplied

RIYADH: The ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 reaches a thrilling climax this Friday at VOV Gaming in Riyadh, where 黑料社区鈥檚 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鈥檚 esports scene.

This year鈥檚 ESL Saudi Challenge is playing a crucial role in 黑料社区鈥檚 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鈥檚 leading esports and video game entertainment company, the tournament reflects the Kingdom鈥檚 broader ambitions to become a global gaming hub.

EFG was acquired in 2022 by Savvy Games Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of 黑料社区鈥檚 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鈥檚 involvement marks a long-term vision to build a world-class esports infrastructure in 黑料社区 and provide new opportunities for players, fans and creators alike.

Viewers can tune in to the action live on ESL Arabia鈥檚 official channels across X, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. As anticipation builds for Friday鈥檚 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.


Jeddah United strike gold in Saudi 3x3 basketball tourney

Jeddah United crowned champions of Saudi 3x3 Women鈥檚 Basketball Tournament. supplied
Jeddah United crowned champions of Saudi 3x3 Women鈥檚 Basketball Tournament. supplied
Updated 27 May 2025

Jeddah United strike gold in Saudi 3x3 basketball tourney

Jeddah United crowned champions of Saudi 3x3 Women鈥檚 Basketball Tournament. supplied
  • Jeddah beat Al-Nassr 22-20, win championship without dropping a game at Madinah tourney in May
  • Standout performances from Kawthar Khayyat, Fahda Al-Sulaiman, Rand Alnowaiser, Noura Alkhayyal

RIYADH: Jeddah United Club have added another remarkable chapter to their legacy by clinching gold at the Saudi 3x3 Women鈥檚 Basketball Tournament.

Held over three days in Madinah, the overall tournament was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Basketball Federation, showcasing the country鈥檚 commitment to advancing basketball across all categories.

The event featured three competitive brackets 鈥 for men, women and under-18 boys 鈥 and drew more than 1,500 spectators, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for the sport.

In the women鈥檚 division, six teams competed: Jeddah United, Al-Nassr Club, Al-Qadisiyah Club, NEOM Club, Jeddah Club, and Gym Master Team.

From the opening game to the final, Jeddah United displayed unmatched dominance and tactical finesse.

Jeddah United opened their campaign with a commanding 21鈥2 victory over Gym Master. They followed with a solid 14鈥5 win against Al-Qadisiyah in the group stage. In the semifinal, they outpaced Jeddah Club 20鈥12.

The final proved to be the most intense matchup of the tournament, as they faced a determined Al-Nassr squad. In a tightly contested battle, Jeddah United held their nerve to clinch a thrilling 22鈥20 victory, sealing the championship without dropping a single game.

The championship squad featured standout performances from Kawthar Khayyat, Fahda Al-Sulaiman, Rand Alnowaiser, and Noura Alkhayyal, all under the direction of team manager Ahmed Amir.

Their synergy, athleticism, and tactical discipline were evident throughout the tournament, setting a high bar for future competitions.

Jeddah United鈥檚 triumph was bolstered by strong institutional support, which includes their strategic partnership with the University of Business and Technology and the medical backing of MyClinic.

This latest title adds to Jeddah United鈥檚 impressive record. They previously secured back-to-back gold medals at the Saudi Games in 2022 and 2023, followed by a bronze in 2024.

With this 3x3 tournament victory, they continue to affirm their position as pioneers in women鈥檚 basketball in 黑料社区, inspiring a new generation of female athletes and setting a benchmark for excellence in national and regional competitions.

As the landscape of Saudi sports evolves, Jeddah United鈥檚 continued success serves as a powerful symbol of the Kingdom鈥檚 growing commitment to women鈥檚 participation and achievement in sports.