Latest news with #TeamSpirit
Al Arabiya
a day ago
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia's Esports World Cup aims to position Riyadh as global gaming hub
Saudi Arabia is hoping to establish itself as a global hub for esports, with major tournaments, dedicated gaming venues, and government support fuelling the industry's expansion. The recent 'Esports World Cup' in Riyadh, which featured the Dota 2 final between Team Spirit and Team Falcons, drew large crowds and enthusiastic fans. Mike McCabe, COO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, cited government support and a national gaming strategy as key factors in the sector's growth. 'We have a national gaming and esports strategy, which is one of the pillars of Vision 2030… when you couple that with a very motivated government and an incredibly passionate population, it makes perfect sense,' he said. Saudi gamers say the changes are noticeable at the community level. 'Kids and young people are becoming more involved and informed,' said Hassan Al Himyari, a local gamer. 'Now every child has a game they regularly play, whether it's PUBG, Fortnite, Valorant, or others.' The Esports World Cup is in its second annual iteration in Riyadh, drawing over 2,000 competitors from 84 countries to the heart of Saudi Arabia. The event, running until August 24, boasts a $70 million prize pool. The tournament features popular titles such as Dota 2, Rennsport, and Valorant, captivating gaming enthusiasts worldwide. Sports, esports and gaming have been part of the crown prince's transformation plan, known as Vision 2030, in which the government is pouring hundreds of billions of dollars to diversify the kingdom's economy and reduce its reliance on oil. Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group, owned by sovereign wealth fund PIF, said in 2022 it will invest 142 billion riyals ($37.8 billion) in initiatives aimed at making Saudi Arabia a global hub for gaming. Under the plan, the kingdom aims to set up 250 game companies locally, which will create 39,000 jobs, and raise the sector's contribution to Saudi GDP to 50 billion riyals by 2030.
Arab News
a day ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Esports World Cup 2025 delivers new milestones, rising stars in week 2
RIYADH: Week two of the 2025 Esports World Cup wrapped up here with four new champions, as thousands of the world's top players continue to battle for a share of the record $70 million prize pool and Club Championship crown. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The Club Championship leaderboard had several teams secure points across multiple games. Gen.G make League of Legends history South Korea's Gen.G Esports captured their second international title in just over a week, defeating 3-2 in a thrilling League of Legends grand final. Their undefeated run through the Esports World Cup, combined with their MSI 2025 title, has extended their winning streak to 26 matches, marking one of the most dominant eras in history. With this win, Gen.G becomes the fastest team to secure back-to-back international League of Legends titles. Team Spirit dominate in Dota 2 Team Spirit emerged as the champions of the Dota 2 tournament, dropping just one game across the entire event, and dismantling Team Falcons 3-0 in the final. 'There is not really much emotion as the grand final was not that hard,' said captain Iaroslav 'Miposhka' Naidenov. Team Vitality perfect in MLBB Women's Invitational Team Vitality stormed to a flawless 4-0 victory over Gaimin Gladiators in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women's Invitational, reclaiming their crown after falling short last year. They also broke the MWI fastest match record twice, reclaiming it with a 9 minute, 36 second victory in the grand final. Sisters Cindy 'Cinnyyy' Siswanto and Michelle 'Chelll' Siswanto secured their first EWC title, following a heartbreaking runner-up finish in 2024. EVOS Esports triumph in Free Fire Indonesia's EVOS Esports dominated the Free Fire tournament with consistent performances and clutch plays. They reached match point by Game 6 of the finals and secured the championship after a dramatic final battle against Team Vitality. The spotlight also shined on 15-year-old phenom Rasyah 'Rasyah' Rasyid, who became the youngest MVP in EWC history, earning the SONY MVP Award and $10,000 in prize money. Other key results had Honor of Kings finalize its top eight playoff teams, with Paws Gaming, Nova Esports, and leading the charge. Meanwhile Saudi Arabia's Team Falcons claimed the Overwatch Champions Series Midseason Last Chance Qualifier, defeating ZETA DIVISION to secure their place in the OWCS Midseason Championship beginning July 31. Club Championship standings At the close of week two on July 20, Team Vitality lead the Club Championship standings, with Gen.G Esports in hot pursuit. Team Falcons and are close behind. With eight clubs now holding titles across different games, teams earning points in multiple disciplines are beginning to separate from the rest of the pack.
Arab News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Team Vitality top leaderboard of Esports World Cup's Club Championship in Riyadh
RIYADH: The 2025 Esports World Cup has concluded its second week of competitive gaming, with teams contending for a share of the historic prize pool and the ultimate prize: the Club Championship crown. The event is being held in the Boulevard City entertainment hub in Riyadh, where thousands of the world's top players are to compete in another five weeks of matches. The tournament's second week featured dramatic comebacks and dominant performances. Four new champions emerged, and the Club Championship leaderboard saw significant changes as teams earned points in multiple games. South Korea's Gen.G Esports won their second international title in just over a week, defeating Chinese team by 3-2 in a thrilling League of Legends grand final. Gen.G's undefeated run in the Esports World Cup has extended their winning streak to 26 matches. They have also become the fastest team to secure back-to-back League of Legends championship titles. Team Spirit, the Russian esports team, became champions of the Dota 2 tournament, losing only one game throughout the event. In the grand final they defeated Team Falcons by 3-0. Their captain Yaroslav 'Miposhka' Naidenov said: 'There is not really much emotion as the grand final was not that hard.' French esports organization Team Vitality achieved a perfect 4-0 victory over the Canadian team Gaimin Gladiators in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women's Invitational (MWI), reclaiming their title after falling short last year. The Indonesian sisters Chell and Cinny, part of Team Vitality, won their first EWC title after finishing as runners-up in 2024. Indonesia's EVOS Esports dominated the Free Fire tournament, reaching match point by Game 6 of the finals and winning the championship after a dramatic final against Team Vitality. Rasyah Rasyid, 15, became the youngest most valuable player in EWC history, earning the Sony MVP Award and the $10,000 prize. Team Vitality stood at the top of the Club Championship standings on Monday, followed by Gen.G Esports, Team Falcons, and
Leaders
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Russian Team Spirit Clinches Dota 2 Title at 2025 Esports World Cup
Russian esports team Team Spirit secured the Dota 2 championship at the 2025 Esports World Cup after 12 days of intense competition at the Amazon Arena in Riyadh City Boulevard. The event, which featured 16 of the world's top teams, competed for a total prize pool of $3 million. Team Spirit took home the trophy and the $1 million cash prize for first place, defeating Saudi Arabian team Team Falcons 3-0 in the grand final. Throughout the tournament, Miposhka, rue, Collapse, Larl, and Yatoro delivered stellar performances, suffering only one loss in the group stages before sweeping their way to the title. Following the victory, Yatoro, one of the team's standout players, stated, 'I believe we are the best Dota 2 team in history.' Miposhka, Team Spirit's captain, commended his teammates, calling them 'the best professional elite players.' He added, 'We had a great time at the 2025 Esports World Cup. There were so many fans, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who supported us in winning this title.' Team Falcons earned $500,000 for their second-place finish, while PARIVISION claimed third, taking home $300,000 after defeating Tundra Esports, who finished fourth and won $200,000. With the win, Team Spirit earned 1,000 points for the World Club Championship, placing them at the top of the global rankings alongside other recent champions. The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women's Invitational (MWI) championship also concluded today, alongside the Dota 2 tournament. As Gen.G emerges as a top contender in the League of Legends competition, and Team Falcons continues to perform across multiple events this week, the rankings may see significant changes by the end of the weekend. Several other clubs still have opportunities to improve their positions. The final stages of the League of Legends and Free Fire competitions will take place tomorrow, marking the conclusion of the second week of the largest esports and gaming event in history. Part of the Esports World Cup Festival, the event has transformed Riyadh into a vibrant summer destination for families and gaming enthusiasts, offering cutting-edge gaming technology, live music, cultural events, creative performances, diverse dining options, and entertainment activities for all ages. The festival showcases the region's thriving and diverse culture. For more information about the 2025 Esports World Cup, visit: Short link : Post Views: 41
Leaders
3 days ago
- Sport
- Leaders
Team Spirit Signals Confidence After Dominant Dota 2 Win at EWC 2025
Team Spirit has expressed confidence in its future prospects after securing the Dota 2 championship title at the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), following a commanding 3–0 sweep against Team Falcons. Speaking at a press conference at the Boulevard City media center, Team Spirit players shared their excitement over the victory and emphasized their ongoing commitment to staying prepared for future challenges. They highlighted a strategic shift during the tournament, opting for a faster-paced approach with early-game pressure—a tactic they credited as key to their success. The team also commended the tournament's organization, praising its high standards and professionalism. They noted that the second edition of the EWC delivered a world-class experience worthy of a global esports championship. Related Topics : Saudi Arabia Shares Ramadan Spirit with Massive Iftars in Asia Colorful Exits, Childcare Centre in Prophet's Mosque for Perfect Spiritual Experience Volunteer Teams Deliver Over 700,000 Hours of Service at Prophet's Mosque General Presidency Installs 12 High-Resolution 3D Screens to Support Pilgrims at Grand Mosque Short link : Post Views: 13 Related Stories
