ESL Saudi Challenge sends local champs to OWCS and keeps Saudi Arabia at the center of the Overwatch 2 spotlight
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — June 1, 2025 – ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), the leading esports and video game entertainment company, concluded its inaugural ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 in Overwatch 2 at Riyadh’s VOV Gaming Arena, where Twisted Minds once again proved why they’re the team to beat, securing their second national title in a row after a high-stakes final against Al Qadsiah.
Al Qadsiah, who had earlier delivered a commanding performance against Team Vision in the semifinals, earned their place in the grand final and pushed Twisted Minds in a tightly contested series. But it was the reigning champions who held their ground, combining experience and coordination to clinch the win.
With their victory, Twisted Minds not only took home the lion’s share of the $20,000 total winnings and the national title, but also earned a spot in the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS), the official qualifying circuit for the Esports World Cup (EWC). This win puts them one step closer to the most prestigious global stage in competitive Overwatch.
“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. 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.” Franck Guignery, SVP MENA, ESL FACEIT Group
As part of EFG’s mission to elevate esports in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region, the ESL Saudi Challenge is designed as both a showcase of elite regional talent and a gateway to international stardom. With global-standard production and high-stakes competition, the tournament reflects the growing depth and professionalism of the local esports scene.
This landmark event highlights how Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a centerpiece of the global esports ecosystem, aligning with Vision 2030’s ambitions to make the Kingdom a global hub for gaming and digital entertainment. The ESL Saudi Challenge is not just a tournament, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of champions.
To stay up to date on the ESL Saudi Challenge follow the official ESL Arabia channels on X, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
–ENDS–
About ESL FACEIT Group
ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) is the world’s largest esports and video game entertainment company, dedicated to creating worlds beyond gameplay where players and fans become a community. Built on a legacy of world-renowned brands including ESL, FACEIT, and DreamHack, EFG provides innovative ecosystems for global communities of players, fans, and creators around the games they love. In January 2022, EFG was acquired by Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group—a company 100% owned by the country’s Public Investment Fund—for $1.5 billion. As the main official operating partner of the Esports World Cup for the next five years, EFG continues to shape the future of esports on a global scale. Working alongside leading partners, brands, and global IPs, EFG operates an unmatched portfolio of live events, digital platforms, and developer tools that reach and engage millions of gamers worldwide. For more information, visit www.eslfaceitgroup.com.
About ESL
ESL creates a world where everybody can be somebody. For more than two decades, we have been shaping the industry and leading esports and gaming innovation globally across the most popular video games, creating a comprehensive ecosystem with opportunities for players to go from zero to hero and for fans to witness the best stories esports has to offer. The ESL portfolio consists of high-profile products such as the ESL Pro Tour, Intel® Extreme Masters, the Snapdragon Pro Series, and many more, ranging from grassroots to global elite competitions. ESL is part of ESL FACEIT Group, the leading esports and video game entertainment company.
Media contacts
Sarah Alharbi, ESL FACEIT Group
