Saudi Esports Federation launches second edition of GCC competition
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
40 minutes ago
- Arab News
Young artist recreates memories with miniature homes
JEDDAH: As Saudi cities embrace rapid transformation and modernization, one young artist is lovingly recreating the homes, streets and stories of old neighborhoods in miniature form, to make sure their spirit is not lost in the process of change. Shahd Nabil Jad Al-Haq, a 20-year-old artist with Palestinian roots and a Makkawi upbringing, is preserving the soul of disappearing communities through intricate models that celebrate memory, culture and identity. Her project, 'CYAN,' turns nostalgia into something you can see, hold and feel. 'A house is not just walls … it's moments and memories,' she told Arab News. In recent years, entire neighborhoods in Makkah and Jeddah have been cleared to make way for smart, efficient and modern developments. While these decisions are required from an urban planning perspective, the emotional toll has been heavy for some. • Shahd Al-Haq, a 20-year-old artist with Palestinian roots and a Makkawi upbringing, is preserving the soul of disappearing communities through intricate models. • One of her most touching projects was a model of a family house that was demolished in Jeddah's old Hindawiyah district. People — Saudis and non-Saudis alike — have lost more than just buildings; they have lost memories, neighbors, childhood alleyways and the homes that shaped their lives. Amid this sense of loss, Al-Haq found her calling. 'My dream was to study architecture. But through dioramas, I found my own way to connect that dream with art,' she said. ''CYAN' reflects who I am, how I feel and the places I miss.' Al-Haq's childhood in Makkah deeply shaped her sense of place and visual style. 'My love for old homes and everyday details comes from the world I grew up in. It's something that shows clearly in my work,' she said. The first model she created was of her family's old home, which she gave to her father as a surprise. 'His reaction shocked me; his eyes filled with tears. He said I had taken him back in time. That's when I realized this was more than just art; it was a responsibility,' she added. My love for old homes and everyday details comes from the world I grew up in. It's something that shows clearly in my work. Shahd Al-Haq, Artist Al-Haq's passion for this kind of art began in childhood, but she developed it professionally in recent years. That is when she launched 'CYAN' as a cultural, artistic and business project. She works with materials like wood, cardboard, acrylic and foam, using fine sculpting tools and modern techniques like 3D printing. 'I don't just work on how things look; I work on how this model will make people feel,' Al-Haq said. 'The sound of a door, the sunlight through a window … I want to bring people back to their homes emotionally, not just visually.' Her project has garnered considerable attention, both within and outside the Kingdom. She has received work requests from many countries and regions, including Kuwait, the UAE, Europe and even the US, from people who long for the homes they once lived in. One of her most touching projects was a model of a family house that was demolished in Jeddah's old Hindawiyah district. 'The reaction was unforgettable. There were tears and memories. It was a moment I'll always carry with me,' Al-Haq said. Abdulaziz Al-Harbi, who received a miniature of his former Makkah home, said: 'Honestly, I got goosebumps. I never thought a small model could move me this much. 'The tiny outdoor stairs reminded me of Eid, of my mom's voice, of the fan shaking the ceiling. This is more than just a model; it's a living memory. I told my family: 'Look, this isn't just a picture, it's our actual house.' Some of them cried, especially the older ones.' Samia, known as Umm Suleiman from Jeddah, lived in her home for more than 50 years before it was demolished. She said: 'I was amazed, so happy and so thankful. This model brought back all my memories, my parents, my brothers, everything. The house was destroyed and turned into bare land, but this piece preserved the best part of my life. 'I even held a small party to unveil it like a treasure. Everyone cried, from the nostalgia, the love and the childhood we remembered. Shahd took us back 50 years. May she be as happy as she made us.' Al-Haq dreams of turning her project into a permanent exhibition that brings back the lost neighborhoods of Makkah and Jeddah. 'I want visitors to walk through the models and feel like they're back in those streets. I want to preserve the memory and the sentimental value that these locations once had. We have to see the stories and the culture that's still alive in our memories,' she said. She hopes to integrate augmented reality to deepen the experience, and plans to launch workshops to share her techniques with others. 'A house is not just a place. It's memory and identity. I hope my art tells everyone: 'Your memories are worth preserving',' she said.
Arab News
10 hours ago
- Arab News
Howe confident Isak will stay at Newcastle despite transfer talk
SINGAPORE: Newcastle manager Eddie Howe insisted Saturday that Alexander Isak is still a Newcastle player despite speculation around a move to either Premier League champions Liverpool or Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. Isak has not traveled with Newcastle for their pre-season tour of Asia, apparently because of a minor thigh injury, but Howe said the 25-year-old Swedish striker was a key part of his plans. 'Of course, there are always going to be things going on behind the scenes,' Howe told reporters in Singapore, where Newcastle play Arsenal on Sunday. 'He is aware he's in the news every day, which I'm sure is not easy for anyone in that situation. 'Conversations between Alex and the club or with me will stay private for obvious reasons. We do share a good relationship,' Howe added. Isak, who scored 23 Premier League goals last season, has been 'magnificent for us for as long as he has been with us,' said Howe. 'And he is very comfortable in the dressing room.' Isak did not travel with the Magpies after the thigh injury kept him out of Newcastle's friendly defeat to Celtic last week. 'He mentioned before the Celtic game that it would be very minimal and nothing too serious,' said Howe. 'But he left training very early and didn't feel right. So, he's now back in Newcastle getting that injury assessed.' Howe remained confident that Isak will be wearing black and white when the new season kicks off next month. 'I said after the game against Celtic that I was confident he would stay. I don't see anything that is going to change that opinion of mine at the moment. 'It's football,' he added. 'And who knows what the future may bring.' The Magpies ended their 70-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup and finished in fifth place in the Premier League last season to secure a return to the Champions League. 'I think once you've experienced that feeling of winning, you want it again. So, we want to do it again as soon as possible, in all the competitions we are in,' said Howe. 'We set the bar very high, and there's a lot of ambition within the team.'
Arab News
13 hours ago
- Arab News
Basilisk's Joona ‘Serral' Sotala completes sensational run to seal StarCraft II Championship at Esports World Cup
RIYADH: Demonstrating elite concentration and consistency, Joona 'Serral' Sotala from team Basilisk triumphed in the StarCraft II tournament at the Esports World Cup 2025. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Sotala secured a commanding victory in the grand final against Kim 'Classic' Doh-woo in a best-of-nine match. Sotala had already beaten Classic 3-0 earlier in the tournament, when the pair faced off in the group stage. Showing consistent form and focus, Sotala had remained unbeaten throughout, losing only two maps in the entire tournament. Entering the grand final as favorite, Sotala delivered a display of precise control and dominance, winning 5-2. Sotala said: 'To be honest, after a 2-0 start, I was extremely confident. A couple of hiccups did not bother me too much. It feels absolutely fantastic, this is what I came for, and this is what I've got. It's the best feeling in the world.' Sotala overcame the challenge from 17 other players to win the tournament, claim the $200,000 prize and secure 1,000 Club Championship points for team Basilisk. It also marked Sotala's third world championship title. He won his first at Intel Extreme Masters Katowice in 2022 and then won again in 2024. Sotala added: 'I improved a lot for this year. I trained hard, I put a lot of effort into it. 'This is the highest achievement you can get. I'm kind of speechless, just incredibly happy.' The third week of EWC 2025 continues until July 27 with finals across Honor of Kings and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. For more information and tickets, including access to all tournament days and festival experiences, check out
