黑料社区

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
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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.


黑料社区鈥檚 brightest e-sports stars to reach greater heights on global stage

黑料社区鈥檚 brightest e-sports stars to reach greater heights on global stage
Updated 28 May 2025

黑料社区鈥檚 brightest e-sports stars to reach greater heights on global stage

黑料社区鈥檚 brightest e-sports stars to reach greater heights on global stage
  • Red Bull will serve as the Falcons鈥 official performance partner during the 2025 Esports World Cup
  • The collaboration aims to support players at the highest competitive levels

RIYADH: One of the world鈥檚 premier electronic sports organizations, the Falcons, signed on Wednesday a landmark partnership with Red Bull, giving 黑料社区鈥檚 brightest e-sports stars the wings to reach greater heights on the global stage.

The partnership reflects a shared mission to push boundaries in gaming, e-sports, and entertainment by introducing bold, youth-driven ideas that align with 黑料社区鈥檚 Vision 2030, said a media statement.

Red Bull will serve as the Falcons鈥 official performance partner during the 2025 Esports World Cup, taking place in Riyadh from Jul. 7 to Aug. 24, added the statement.

The collaboration aims to support players at the highest competitive levels by enhancing physical and mental performance and providing an ideal environment for creativity and professionalism in the gaming arena.

Official performance partner for the Esports World Cup
Central to this effort is the Athlete Performance Center, where cutting-edge training, fitness, and recovery programs are tailored specifically for e-sports athletes, as Musaed Al-Dossary, known professionally as Msdossary, personally experienced in 2021 as part of his quest to develop his own outstanding skills.

With two main facilities in Salzburg and Los Angeles, and a global network, the center offers training and performance development opportunities for a wide range of athletes, wherever they are in the world, under the best conditions and supervision of a skilled team of medical experts and coaches.

A center for developing bright talents
Red Bull supports ambitious youth around the world through a series of initiatives, including this facility. Prominent athletes have experienced this center, including Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen, Austrian Grand Slam tennis champion Dominic Thiem, Dakar Rally winner Sam Sunderland, as well as Saudi motorsport star Dania Akeel.

A new era of esports excellence
Co-founded by Saudi e-sports icon Msdossary, the Falcons have already carved out a dominant international presence. With major championship titles under their belt, the team has set a new benchmark for Middle Eastern representation in competitive gaming.

Making history
The Falcons made headlines by winning the inaugural Esports World Cup in 2024, hosted in Riyadh. Competing in top titles like 鈥淐all of Duty: Warzone鈥 and 鈥淔ree Fire,鈥 they outperformed nearly 500 teams and 1,500 pro players from across the globe.

Their groundbreaking win in a major 鈥淒ota 2鈥 championship marked a milestone, not just for the Falcons, but for the entire Middle East e-sports scene. It showcased the region鈥檚 growing talent pool and its ability to compete on the global stage.


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.


Riyadh to host Apex Legends and FC Pro finals at Esports World Cup 2025

EA鈥檚 top circuits arrive in Riyadh as ALGS and FC Pro take the stage. supplied
EA鈥檚 top circuits arrive in Riyadh as ALGS and FC Pro take the stage. supplied
Updated 26 May 2025

Riyadh to host Apex Legends and FC Pro finals at Esports World Cup 2025

EA鈥檚 top circuits arrive in Riyadh as ALGS and FC Pro take the stage. supplied
  • The addition of two of EA鈥檚 most prestigious competitive circuits further elevates the Esports World Cup鈥檚 standing as a premier global platform for elite esports
  • The 2025 edition of the Esports World Cup will bring together 2,000 top players and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries

RIYADH: The Esports World Cup Foundation and Electronic Arts have confirmed that the Apex Legends Global Series Midseason Playoffs and the FC Pro World Championship for EA SPORTS FC 25 will take place this summer at the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh.

The addition of two of EA鈥檚 most prestigious competitive circuits further elevates the Esports World Cup鈥檚 standing as a premier global platform for elite esports. Both tournaments have previously headlined packed arenas and now join a growing lineup that continues to attract the industry鈥檚 most influential titles and top-tier talent.

Apex Legends returns to Riyadh after a successful 2024 debut that featured a dramatic 13-game final in which 12 teams were still in contention for the title. The 2025 ALGS Midseason Playoffs will run from July 10-13, bringing 40 of the world鈥檚 best squads to compete for a $2 million prize pool.

The event opens with Pool Play on July 10 and 11, dividing teams into two groups of 20 for 10 matches. The top seven from each group will advance directly to the Match Point Finals on July 13. Teams ranked eighth to 17th will battle for the final six spots through the Last Chance Semifinals on July 12.

The tournament winner will take home $600,000 and earn 1,000 valuable ALGS Championship Points toward year-end qualification.

The FC Pro World Championship will be staged from Aug. 7-10, featuring the best EA SPORTS FC players competing for a $1.5 million prize pool. A Last Chance Qualifier will precede the main event from July 31 to Aug. 3, offering 512 participants a final shot at reaching the Play-Ins. From there, 48 players will contend for the last four spots in the championship.

The Group Stage begins Aug. 7, with 32 players advancing into playoff action on Aug. 9. The tournament concludes on Aug. 10 with the quarterfinals, semifinals, a third-place match and the grand final. The eventual champion will claim $250,000.

The return of the Last Chance Qualifier follows one of the most memorable stories from EWC 2024, when Joao 鈥渏afonsogv鈥 Vasconcelos made an incredible run from qualifier to champion.

With more than 500 players expected to take part in this year鈥檚 LCQ, the stakes are higher than ever. Among the returning stars will be defending champion Anders Vejrgang, who headlines a field representing some of the world鈥檚 most prominent football and esports clubs.

鈥淭he ALGS and FC Pro are two of the most competitive and globally recognized circuits in esports,鈥 said Fabian Scheuermann, chief games officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation. 鈥淭ogether with EA, we鈥檙e opening doors for players at every level 鈥 from grassroots to elite 鈥 to compete on the world鈥檚 biggest stage. We鈥檙e looking forward to football and esports clubs coming together at the Esports World Cup through FC Pro, and excited to bring ALGS to Riyadh after the incredible response last year. This is the future of esports as a global sport 鈥 and we鈥檙e just getting started.鈥

The 2025 edition of the Esports World Cup will bring together 2,000 top players and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries. More than 25 tournaments will be contested across 24 different games, with a combined prize pool exceeding $70 million 鈥 the largest in esports history.


How Al-Qadsiah Esports went from underdogs to contenders in Saudi eLeague

How Al-Qadsiah Esports went from underdogs to contenders in Saudi eLeague
Updated 22 May 2025

How Al-Qadsiah Esports went from underdogs to contenders in Saudi eLeague

How Al-Qadsiah Esports went from underdogs to contenders in Saudi eLeague
  • Newcomers clinched 4 titles across 9 tournaments, challenging established giants Twisted Minds and Team Falcons
  • Al-Qadsiah Esports rose to second place in elite rankings after victories in top titles

RIYADH: Al-Qadsiah Esports has made a powerful entrance into the 2025 Saudi eLeague, the Kingdom鈥檚 premier esports league organized by the Saudi Esports Federation and hosted at the SEF Arena. With standout performances across multiple titles, Al-Qadsiah has quickly established itself as one of the strongest teams in the league, announcing loud and clear that they are not just taking part, but aiming to dominate.

In a blistering start to the 2025 Saudi eLeague season, which featured nine tournaments, Al-Qadsiah stormed through the field to seize four championship titles, sending a clear message to every club in the league. Their elite roster dominated Major 1 elite tournaments in EA SPORTS FC 25, Overwatch 2 and Valorant, showcasing talent, strategic depth and multi-genre versatility that few teams could match.

Further cementing their dominance, Al-Qadsiah Corals, the organization鈥檚 female team, secured their first title in Overwatch 2 Major 1 Female, defeating Twisted Minds Orchid in a dramatic 4鈥3 final, marking a milestone moment in the club鈥檚 growing legacy.

Abdullah Al-Nasser, head of esports products at the Saudi Esports Federation said: 鈥淎l-Qadsiah Esports has delivered the kind of breakout performance that captures exactly what the Saudi eLeagues were built to showcase. Their rise isn鈥檛 just a win for the club, it鈥檚 a signal of how far local talent has come, and how fiercely it鈥檚 beginning to compete. The growth we鈥檙e witnessing across the league reflects a deeper ecosystem maturing fast. Our vision is to see more Saudi clubs not just show up, but rise, lead, and make their mark on both regional and global stages.鈥

Al-Qadsiah鈥檚 performance places them second on the Saudi eLeague Clubs Cross Game Leaderboard, positioned between two of the most dominant names in Saudi esports, with Twisted Minds holding the top spot and Team Falcons trailing in third. The breakout momentum from Al-Qadsiah signals a clear shift in the competitive balance of the Saudi eLeague, as a new wave of Saudi teams rise through the ranks, challenging the longstanding hierarchy and reshaping the competitive scene within the Kingdom.

With momentum building and eyes on the top spot, all signs point to Al-Qadsiah pushing for the throne.


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
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.