ESL FACEIT Group Announces ESL Saudi Challenge—First-Ever Exclusive ESL Tournament for Saudi Arabia

ESL FACEIT Group announces the launch of the ESL Saudi Challenge, the first-ever ESL tournament exclusively for the Saudi Arabian gaming community. This groundbreaking event provides a unique opportunity for local talent to rise and compete on the global stage, starting with Overwatch 2 as the featured game for this community tournament. 

The ESL Saudi Challenge will run from October 18 through December 7, 2024, featuring Saudi’’s top teams battling for a share of a $20,000 USD prize pool and the ultimate bragging rights. The competition begins with three open tournaments hosted on the FACEIT platform, where the top two teams from each tournament will secure their place in the Playoffs. These teams will join two invited teams in an intense double-elimination showdown, culminating in a thrilling final at VOV Gaming in Riyadh.

Key Competition Highlights:

• Open Qualifiers: Three two-day open tournaments starting October 18, 2024.
• Playoffs: Top six teams from qualifiers and two invited teams face off in a four-day battle in November 2024.
• Finals: The tournament culminates in a live offline event at VOV Gaming in Riyadh on December 7, 2024.
• Prize Pool: $20,000 USD.

“The ESL Saudi Challenge is more than just a tournament—it’s the beginning of a new chapter for esports in Saudi Arabia,” said Franck Guignery, SVP Middle East & Africa  at ESL FACEIT Group. “By featuring Overwatch 2 and providing a pathway to international competition, we're offering Saudi esports enthusiasts a chance to showcase their skills on a global stage. Whether you're an aspiring esports player, a professional  player or a fan, this is your chance to be part of the action and witness the rise of local talent.”

Registration for the tournament will open on Sunday, October 13, 2024, through www.faceit.com offering Saudi Arabian players the opportunity to participate in the region’s first-ever ESL competition. Follow official ESL channels on X, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for further announcements and detailed instructions on how to register. 

ESL FACEIT Group is the world's largest esports and video game entertainment company. In January 2022, the group was acquired by Saudi Arabia's Savvy Games Group—a company 100% owned by the country's Public Investment Fund—for $1.5 billion. This acquisition underscores ESL FACEIT Group's commitment to expanding the global esports ecosystem in Saudi Arabia and the world. Additionally, ESL FACEIT Group has been appointed as the main official operating partner of the Esports World Cup for the next five years, solidifying its role in shaping the future of esports on