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Arab News
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Twisted Minds top cross-game leaderboard after 19 Saudi eLeague tournaments
RIYADH: Twisted Minds are top of the Saudi eLeagues, the Kingdom's premier esports league, following 19 tournaments in the season so far. Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation and hosted at the SEF Arena in Boulevard Riyadh City, the league brings together Saudi Arabia's top esports clubs competing across multiple games and divisions. So far, more than 40 clubs have competed across a total of 19 tournaments — 14 in the Elite category and five in the Women's division — in the race for points on the coveted Clubs Cross-Game Leaderboard. These points will also determine which teams secure spots in the championship, the league's marquee event where the best teams will clash for the ultimate title and a share of the SR7 million ($1.87 million) prize pool. As the dust settles on the first phase of the season, the leaderboard is beginning to take shape: For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Each tournament has added its own narrative to the Saudi eLeague, from Overwatch 2, VALORANT and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 to EA SPORTS FC 25 and battleground drama in PUBG and PUBG MOBILE. Meanwhile, the Women's division has delivered some of the league's most inspiring moments, highlighting the rising skill level and growing depth of talent in Saudi Arabia's esports scene. With the league now at its halfway point, every point earned is a step closer to final success. Twisted Minds may sit top for now, but with Team Falcons and Al-Qadsiah Esports breathing down their necks, the race will continue apace. 'The halfway point of this year's Saudi eLeagues highlights just how extraordinary and competitive this season has been,' said Abdullah Alnasser, head of esports products at the Saudi Esports Federation. 'What sets this year apart from previous seasons is the sheer intensity and depth of competition across all categories. From the Elite tournaments to the Women's division, we've witnessed remarkable growth — not just in the number of clubs participating, but in the level of skill, strategy and determination on display. 'The race for the top is far from over, and every match continues to push the boundaries of what our players and teams can achieve. This season is shaping up to be something truly special, a milestone moment for Saudi esports that reflects the incredible progress of our scene.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Free Fire Esports World Cup 2025 Riyadh: Know date, prize money, qualified teams and more
Free Fire Esports World Cup 2025: The Free Fire Esports World Cup 2025 is all set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 16 to 20 July 2025. This exciting global tournament is part of the larger Esports World Cup 2025, where the world's top Free Fire teams will battle for the title and a massive prize pool. Let's explore the date, prize money, format, qualified teams, and everything else you need to know about the Free Fire Esports World Cup 2025. When Will Free Fire Esports World Cup 2025 Take Place? The Free Fire Esports World Cup 2025 will begin on 16 July 2025 and will end with the Grand Finals on 20 July 2025, as reported in Sportskeeda. Over the span of five action-packed days, fans will witness intense matches among the world's best teams. What is the Prize Pool for Free Fire Esports World Cup 2025? The total prize pool for the tournament stands at a whopping $1 million (approx ₹8.3 crore). This huge amount makes the Free Fire Esports World Cup one of the most rewarding mobile gaming tournaments of 2025. Format: How Will the Free Fire World Cup 2025 Be Played? The tournament will be held in three key stages: 1. Knockout Stage (16–18 July 2025) 18 qualified teams will be divided into three groups. Each team will play 12 matches in a round-robin format. The top 12 teams on the overall leaderboard will move forward. The bottom 6 teams will be eliminated. 2. Point Rush Stage (19 July 2025) The top 12 teams from the Knockout stage will compete again. This stage helps teams earn extra points as a head start for the Grand Finals. 3. Grand Finals (20 July 2025) The final 12 teams will fight it out for the championship trophy and the $1 million prize pool. Teams Qualified for Free Fire Esports World Cup 2025 A total of 18 teams from different regions have secured their place in the Free Fire Esports World Cup 2025. All of them qualified by performing well in their respective regional tournaments, including the FFWS 2025 SEA Spring, FFWS Brazil, and FFWS LATAM. Here's the list of qualified teams: 🏆 Thailand Team Falcons (Defending Champions) Buriram United Esports All Gamers Global 🇮🇩 Indonesia ONIC Olympus Team Vitality RRQ Kazu EVOS Divine Core Memory Esports 🇧🇷 Brazil LOS Alfa 34 paiN Gaming Fluxo 🌎 LATAM Rainbow7 Visionsystem SPA 🌍 Middle East & South Asia ALPHA (Middle East) Hotshot Esports (Pakistan) Red Hawks (Bangladesh) Who Are the Favourites to Win Free Fire Esports World Cup 2025? Team Falcons, the defending champions from Thailand, are one of the top favourites. Although their recent performance at the FFWS 2025 SEA Spring was not up to the mark, they are expected to bounce back strongly to defend their title. ONIC Olympus from Indonesia will enter the tournament with high confidence after winning the FFWS SEA Spring 2025. Buriram United and Team Vitality, who finished second and third, are also strong contenders. From Brazil, LOS and Fluxo look impressive. Rainbow7, who topped the LATAM region, and regional champions like Hotshot Esports and Red Hawks are dark horses to watch out for. How Were the Teams Selected for Free Fire Esports World Cup 2025? Teams earned their spots based on their performances in regional qualifiers: FFWS 2025 SEA Spring gave 8 teams: ONIC Olympus, Buriram United, Vitality, All Gamers, Virtus, RRQ, EVOS Divine, and Core Memory. FFWS Brazil 2025 added 4 Brazilian teams: LOS, Fluxo, paiN Gaming, and Alfa 34. Rainbow7 won the LATAM region. ALPHA, Hotshot Esports, and Red Hawks won the Middle East, Pakistan, and Bangladesh qualifiers, respectively. The Free Fire Esports World Cup 2025 is set to be one of the biggest mobile gaming events of the year. With top teams, a huge prize pool, and global excitement, this tournament will be a must-watch for all Free Fire fans. Keep your calendars marked from 16 to 20 July 2025 and get ready to support your favourite teams in Riyadh! For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Arab News
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Cristiano Ronaldo named global ambassador for Esports World Cup
LONDON: Cristiano Ronaldo has been appointed global ambassador for the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, the tournament's organizers announced on Friday. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The Esports World Cup Foundation said the Portuguese football legend's appointment marked a 'defining milestone' in the evolution of the tournament and the rise of e-sports as a global force. A five-time Ballon d'Or winner and one of the most iconic athletes of all time, Ronaldo brings what the foundation described as 'a powerful presence and cultural resonance that transcends traditional sports,' helping connect millions of fans to a new generation of e-sports athletes. Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: 'Cristiano Ronaldo connects generations — from lifelong football fans to today's emerging competitors. 'His pursuit of greatness mirrors the spirit of the Esports World Cup: the biggest stage for the best players. As global ambassador, he bridges traditional sport and competitive gaming, helping spotlight the next generation of athletes competing for global glory. We're humbled to have the greatest of all time stand with us in this moment for e-sports.' Ronaldo has been involved with the EWC since its inception. He took part in the global announcement of the competition in 2023 and attended last summer's closing ceremony in Riyadh, where he joined in celebrations for Team Falcons' historic Club Championship victory. As a global ambassador he will headline the tournament's global promotional campaign in the lead-up to and throughout the seven-week event and festival taking place this summer in Riyadh. He will also appear as a playable character in FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, one of the 25 titles featured in the 2025 tournament lineup. With a combined social media following of over 1 billion, Ronaldo's involvement is expected to amplify the EWC's global reach and help introduce new audiences to the elite world of competitive gaming. Ronaldo said: 'Sport is always evolving and e-sports is one more frontier. The commitment, drive, talent, and intensity I have been able to see in e-sports athletes is no different from what I've experienced on the pitch. I'm proud to stand alongside these competitors and be part of a global event that's inspiring a new generation.'
Makkah Newspaper
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Makkah Newspaper
Esports World Cup to Feature Record-Breaking Prize Pool ofMore Than $70 Million for 2025 Event
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has today announced a record-breaking $70+ million prize pool for the upcoming Esports World Cup 2025 EWC), the world's largest esports event, set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 through August 24. With the highest stakes in esports history, the $70+ million prize pool elevates EWC as one of the world's most prestigious sporting events and reinforces the EWCF's long-term commitment to the sustainable growth of the esports industry. The total prize pool is a $10 million increase from last summer's inaugural event, marking a significant step in the Esports World Cup Foundation's mission to create life-changing opportunities and provide sustainable career paths for competitive players and multidisciplinary esports Clubs.'The record-breaking $70+ million prize pool, along with our commitment to the Club Partner Program and our multi-year publisher agreements, is a privilege to announce and validation of our purpose to elevate the industry, by giving players, clubs, publishers and all other stakeholders the stability needed to invest for future success, ' said Ralf Reichert, CEO, Esports World Cup Foundation. 'While more than $70 million is an incredible, life-changing sum, it's always aligned with a long-term vision rather than short-term impact. It's not just to have more money at stake, but to create opportunities for everyone at every level of the ecosystem, and strengthen the industry for generations to come." With 25 tournaments in 24 games announced to date, including four new games—Chess, Crossfire, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves and VALORANT—EWC 2025 will bring together more than 2,000 elite esports players and 200 top Clubs for the largest multi-game competition in history, with a life-changing prize pool rewarding more players and Clubs on the world's biggest stage. Tickets for EWC 2025 are now available to purchase at The EWC Club Championship, the innovative cross-game competitive format unique to the EWC, will award $27 million of the $70+ million total to the top 16 Clubs based on their overall performance, with $7 million allotted for the 2025 winner. After the Club Championship's $27 million allocation, the remainder of the total prize pool will be divided into three distribution categories: Game Championships, MVP Awards, and qualifiers on the Road to EWC. Each of the Game Championships will have its prize pool with a combined total exceeding $38 million. In addition, a $450,000 MVP Award pool will be allocated to standout participants across all competitions. More than $5 million will be awarded to the Road to EWC qualifiers, where teams and players compete for the remaining tournament spots through eligible events hosted by partnered publishers and organizers. The 2024 event attracted over 500 million online viewers and 2.6 million visitors to Riyadh's Boulevard City. At the inaugural EWC in 2024, Team Falcons captured the world's attention, running up the leaderboard with 10 top-three finishes, including three first-place placements, to earn 5,665 points and ultimately win the $7 million Club Championship title. North American Team Liquid finished in second place with 2,545 points and French Team BDS placed third with 2,000 points. 'Winning the Club Championship crown and $7 million at the inaugural Esports World Cup was a defining moment for Team Falcons, " said Mosaad Al-Dossary, CEO of Team Falcons. "The opportunity to compete in front of our home fans, where they made the arenas shake with every great play, motivated us like never before, and it was an honor to secure the victory for them. We've used the momentum and winnings from last year to build on our success and we look forward to continuing that legacy this summer.' 'Competing at the inaugural EWC contributed to one of the most successful competitive years in our 24-year history, securing a strong second-place finish in the EWC 2024 Club Championship, ' said Steve Arhancet, Co-CEO of Team Liquid. 'With our winnings, we expanded into new games like chess, strengthened our international presence in Southeast Asia, and supported philanthropic initiatives. The experience, momentum, and rosters we've built over the past year put us in the perfect position to claim the Championship crown at EWC 2025. We believe this to be our year. 'The full lineup of games for the EWC 2025 announced to date include, in alphabetical order: Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Call of Duty: Warzone, Chess, Counter-Strike 2, Crossfire, Dota 2, EA Sports FC 25, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, Free Fire, Honor of Kings, League of Legends, Mobile Legends Bang Bang, Overwatch 2, PUBG BATTLEGROUNDS, PUBG Mobile, Rainbow Six Siege X, Rennsport, Rocket League, Starcraft ||, Street Fighter 6, Teamfight Tactics, and VALORANT. Along with the increased prize pool, EWCF is expanding its support for the entire esports industry through a number of partnerships with other leagues and competitions. Recent agreements with the likes of Riot Games, Activision and Capcom will see the EWCF support external competitions with resources that further help the stability of esports circuits and the industry as a whole, while increasing the pathways for players to reach the Esports World Cup each year. The EWCF recently announced that 40 top Clubs joined its industry-leading EWCF Club Partner Program that will provide financial support for Clubs to expand their brand and global fanbase: 100 Thieves, All Gamers, Bilibili Gaming, Cloud9, Edward Gaming, EVOS, FaZe Clan, Fnatic, FURIA, G2 Esports, Gaimin Gladiators, Gen.G, Gentle Mates, HEROIC, JD Gaming, Karmine Corp., Movistar KOI, LEVIATAN, LOUD, MOUZ, NAVI, NIP .eStar, ONIC, POWR, REJECT, S8UL, Sentinels, T1, Team BDS, Team Falcons, Team Liquid, Team RRQ, Team Secret, Team Spirit, Team Vitality, Twisted Minds, Weibo Gaming, Wolves Esports, ZETA DIVISION. The Esports World Cup 2025 will once again unite gaming and esports communities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a global competition that will crown the next Esports World Cup Champion. The tournament's unique cross-game format will reward Clubs and players competing for a life-changing prize pool across a mix of platforms and genres, bringing together esports' best teams, players and games under one banner in the largest-ever celebration of esports. Additionally, the New Global Sport Conference, a premier event uniting global leaders in esports, gaming, sports, entertainment, and technology to shape the future of global sports, will return to Riyadh on August 23-24, 2025. The conference that bridges East and West to drive transformative global initiatives will see 1,500 industry leaders and decision-makers gather to collaborate on the growth and future of these dynamic industries. For more information, visit To learn more about EWC, visit and follow Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn.
Arab News
03-06-2025
- 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.
