Thrilling Conclusion to the Second Edition of the ‘GCC Esports League, presented by Genesis’ Highlights Growth of Regional Esports Ecosystem

The Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) has successfully concluded the electrifying second edition of the GCC Esports League, presented by Genesis, the Korean luxury automotive brand renowned for its commitment to performance, design, safety, and innovation. 

Held at the cutting-edge SEF Arena in Riyadh, the league united elite players and esports clubs from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), further cementing the region’s status as a rising force in global competitive gaming. Furthermore, the league has witnessed impressive growth year after year, becoming the cornerstone of the regional gaming calendar and providing rising players with an opportunity to shine, compete, and grow on a professional stage.

Turki Al Fawzan, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “Congratulations to all the incredible players who participated in the second edition of the GCC Esports League. This event has been instrumental in fostering the next generation of talent and showcasing the remarkable depth of quality among players from across the GCC. Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to the gaming and esports sector is not only transforming our region but also solidifying our role as a global hub for this dynamic industry.”

This year’s league featured fierce competition across two fan-favourite titles: EA Sports FC 25 and Street Fighter 6, with a total prize pool of SAR 100,000, split evenly between the games. Proudly representing their nations and highlighting the depth of emerging talent across the GCC, players from Gulf countries showcased their skills and talents in front of passionate fans at the SEF Arena and a global online audience.

Seven clubs representing six GCC countries competed in the EA Sports FC 25 tournament, including Team Falcons from Saudi Arabia, TriForce from Kuwait, AlNasr Club from the UAE, KHK Esports from Bahrain, Al Seeb and Al Nahda from Oman, and Alrayyan from Qatar. In a highly anticipated all-Saudi Grand Final, Abu Makkah took on Falcon Msdossary7, both from Team Falcons. With a dominant 12-3 victory, FalconMsdossary7 secured the title and reaffirmed his place among the top esports athletes in the region.

Nine clubs from six GCC nations participated in the Street Fighter 6 competition, including The Vicious and Twisted Minds from Saudi Arabia, TriForce from Kuwait, Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club from the UAE, KHK Esports from Bahrain, Al Seeb and Al Nahda from Oman, and S-City and Team Mana from Qatar. The Grand Final featured a thrilling showdown between Twisted Minds’ Latif and Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club’s GTR. Latif secured a decisive 3-1 victory, marking an emotional and inspiring return to professional play after a seven-year break.

“Winning this tournament means a lot to me,” said Latif. “Coming back after seven years away from professional competition and proving that I can still compete and win against the best players in the region is an incredible feeling. This special win reminded me that age is just a number when you have the drive and determination to succeed.”

Beyond the competition, the 2025 GCC Esports League, presented by Genesis, marked a significant step toward deeper regional collaboration, as the Saudi Esports Federation signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with esports governing bodies from Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE. These strategic agreements reinforce a shared ambition to grow the region’s esports ecosystem by driving talent development, supporting grassroots growth, enabling cross-border education and training programs, and fostering collaborative tournaments and knowledge-sharing platforms.

“These Memoranda of Understanding with our GCC counterparts mark a pivotal moment for the region's esports ecosystem,” 

added Turki AlFawzan. 

Strategic collaboration is paramount to fostering talent development, launching impactful education initiatives and strengthening grassroots growth across the GCC, ultimately elevating the gaming and esports ecosystem on the global stage.”