
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.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Argaam
35 minutes ago
- Argaam
KSA approves rules for public utility facilities
Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture for Agriculture, Hamad Al-Khamshi, approved the guidelines for establishments located at public utility markets for vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, and fish. The guidelines shall be enforced as of the date of publication, and all relevant parties shall be notified for implementation. The guidelines supersede any previous conflicting regulations, according to Umm Al-Qura official newspaper. Under the guidelines, establishments are required to have air or plastic curtains on external entrance doors, as well as natural or artificial lighting (or both) at the premises. Artificial lighting should not alter the appearance of colors, and its intensity must suit the nature of operations. Light fixtures must be shatter-resistant or protected by covers in areas where they are directly exposed to food, equipment, utensils, or unsealed packaging materials.


Asharq Al-Awsat
an hour ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Al-Hilal Captain Al-Dawsari Out of Club World Cup with Hamstring Injury
Al-Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari will miss the remainder of the Club World Cup with a hamstring injury, the Saudi club said on Saturday. "Medical tests have confirmed that Salem Al-Dawsari has suffered from a hamstring injury. He will be undergoing a treatment and rehabilitation program that will last between four to six weeks," Al-Hilal said in a statement via X. This means Al-Dawsari will miss Monday's round of 16 clash against Manchester City. Al-Dawsari played a pivotal role in Al-Hilal's campaign in the Club World Cup, after scoring the opening goal in the team's 2-0 victory over Pachuca on Friday in the third round of the group stage. The win against Pachuca secured the four-times Asian champions qualification for the last 16 after they finished second in Group H behind Real Madrid.


Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Al-Hilal captain Al-Dawsari out of Club World Cup with hamstring injury
Al-Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari will miss the remainder of the Club World Cup with a hamstring injury, the Saudi club said on Saturday. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport 'Medical tests have confirmed that Salem Al-Dawsari has suffered from a hamstring injury. He will be undergoing a treatment and rehabilitation program that will last between four to six weeks,' Al-Hilal said in a statement via X. This means Al-Dawsari will miss Monday's round of 16 clash against Manchester City. Al-Dawsari played a pivotal role in Al-Hilal's campaign in the Club World Cup, after scoring the opening goal in the team's 2-0 victory over Pachuca on Friday in the third round of the group stage. The win against Pachuca secured the four-times Asian champions qualification for the last 16 after they finished second in Group H behind Real Madrid.