As they win the grand prize from a total of $20,000 prize pool and earn the ESL Saudi Champion title in the region’s first-ever ESL tournament

Riyadh, December 9 2024 – The first-ever ESL Saudi Challenge came to an exciting end, with Twisted Minds claiming victory in the Grand Final against Dragons and earning the lion’s share of the $20,000 prize pool. The journey to the finals was just as thrilling, with Dragons defeating Vision Esports in a tough semifinal match.  This groundbreaking tournament provided a platform for local talent to shine and qualify for international competitions, marking an important step in Saudi Arabia’s journey to becoming a key player in the global esports scene.

The ESL Saudi Challenge marked a milestone for esports as the tournament was a resounding success, with a full house in attendance at VOV Gaming to witness Twisted Minds secure the title of ESL Saudi Champions, along with their share of the  $20,000 prize pool.

Franck Guignery, SVP at ESL FACEIT Group said: ”The ESL Saudi Challenge tournament has been a phenomenal success, showcasing the incredible talent and passion of players from across the region and beyond. This event is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a vibrant esports ecosystem, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals. We are proud to collaborate on events like this that elevate the competitive gaming experience and inspire the next generation of esports professionals.”

The ESL Saudi Challenge delivered intense competition and unforgettable moments in Overwatch 2, highlighting the region’s exceptional esports talent. In the semifinals, Dragons showcased their tenacity, triumphing in a hard-fought best-of-five (BO5) series with a close 3-2 victory. The grand finals, however, belonged to Twisted Minds, who delivered a commanding performance with an unbeaten 4-0 sweep in a best-of-seven (BO7) match. This outstanding achievement crowned Twisted Minds as the ESL Saudi Champions and reinforced the growing prominence of Saudi Arabia’s esports scene on the global stage.

Twis Quartz, a player for Twisted Minds, shared his excitement after his team’s victory: “Winning the first-ever ESL Saudi Challenge is an amazing feeling. As always, our team has shown that we’re champions. A big thank you to the organizers for their outstanding efforts and to the fans who came out to support us and the other teams.” He also had a message for Overwatch 2 players in the local community, encouraging them to keep working hard, saying, “The future is bright for all of us.”