RIYADH: Sports fans are 10 days away from the inauguration of the second edition of the 2023 Saudi Games, the largest national sports event in the Kingdom’s history.
The showpiece event, scheduled to take place between Nov. 26 and Dec. 10, 2023, aims to provide athletes with a platform to demonstrate their talents and engage in fierce competition, a media statement said on Thursday.
More than 230 sporting events will take place across 31 venues in Riyadh and Jeddah during the competition.
The event hopes to inspire Saudi youth with the spirit of sports and highlight the Kingdom’s capacity to stage major international events.
The Saudi Games also align with the national vision to nurture and produce new sporting champions across a range of disciplines, aiming to bolster local talent and enhance infrastructure.
More than 8,000 participants, including athletes, coaches, and team leaders, will take part, while the event’s 53 sporting disciplines will include six paralympic, four demonstration, and 12 youth sports.
Record-breaking prize pools, totaling more than SR250 million ($67 million), will set the stage for peak performances. Amateurs will also be invited to take part in individual sports under the guidance of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Locations include the facilities of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, King Saud University, Al-Nassr Club, and Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Al-Malaz, along with the Riyadh Golf Club, Dirab Square, and Rumah Camel Square.
Cycling events will take place on the roads from King Saud University and multiple routes in Riyadh. Additional venues include the Jeddah Yacht Club, Lagoona Resort, and Durat Alarus in Jeddah.
Countdown begins to Saudi Games as Kingdom prepares to set new records
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Countdown begins to Saudi Games as Kingdom prepares to set new records
- 2023 edition will showcase more than 230 events across 31 venues in Riyadh and Jeddah
- Games align with the national vision to nurture and produce sporting champions across a range of disciplines
Twisted Minds defend Overwatch 2 crown at ESL Saudi Challenge 2025
- Victory secures team’s spot in Overwatch Champions Series
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s top Overwatch 2 team, Twisted Minds, have once again stamped their authority on the national stage, successfully defending their title at the ESL Saudi Challenge 2025, held at Riyadh’s VOV Gaming Arena.
The high-octane finale saw Twisted Minds overcome a fierce challenge from Al-Qadsiah, who went into the match with a lot of momentum after a decisive win against Team Vision in the semifinals.
The final matchup was a showcase of strategy and execution, with Twisted Minds ultimately pulling ahead through superior coordination and championship composure. With the win, they not only retained the title but also secured a berth in the Overwatch Champions Series, the official qualifier for the Esports World Cup.
They also claimed the top prize from a $20,000 pool.
The ESL Saudi Challenge, launched by ESL FACEIT Group, is part of a broader push to elevate the competitive gaming scene in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. Designed as both a platform for talent and a pipeline to international competitions, the tournament reflects the Kingdom’s growing role in the global esports ecosystem.
“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,” said Franck Guignery, the group’s senior vice president for MENA.
“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.”
As Twisted Minds prepare to represent Saudi Arabia in the OWCS, the Kingdom’s position as a force in international esports continues to grow. With strategic investments, a strong talent pool and quality infrastructure, the country is no longer just part of the global esports movement it is helping to lead it.
Top team to be crowned at ESL Saudi Challenge grand final
RIYADH: The ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 reaches a thrilling climax this Friday at VOV Gaming in Riyadh, where Saudi Arabia’s top Overwatch 2 teams are set to battle for regional supremacy and a place on the global stage.
The high-stakes tournament will see Team Vision take on Al-Qadsiah in a best-of-five showdown, with the winner advancing to face reigning champions Twisted Minds in a best-of-seven grand final.
With qualification for the Overwatch Champions Series and the Esports World Cup at stake, the event is being hailed as a defining moment for the Kingdom’s esports scene.
This year’s ESL Saudi Challenge is playing a crucial role in Saudi Arabia’s evolving esports ecosystem. More than just a tournament, it serves as a direct pathway to international competition while highlighting the rising caliber of local talent.
Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, the world’s leading esports and video game entertainment company, the tournament reflects the Kingdom’s broader ambitions to become a global gaming hub.
EFG was acquired in 2022 by Savvy Games Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, in a $1.5 billion deal aimed at accelerating the growth of esports in the region.
The ESL Saudi Challenge is a key pillar in that strategy, with EFG also serving as the main operating partner for the Esports World Cup over the next five years. The group’s involvement marks a long-term vision to build a world-class esports infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and provide new opportunities for players, fans and creators alike.
Viewers can tune in to the action live on ESL Arabia’s official channels across X, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. As anticipation builds for Friday’s final, the event promises not only elite-level Overwatch 2 gameplay, but a powerful statement of intent from a nation rapidly becoming a leader in global esports.
Jeddah United strike gold in Saudi 3x3 basketball tourney
- Jeddah beat Al-Nassr 22-20, win championship without dropping a game at Madinah tourney in May
- Standout performances from Kawthar Khayyat, Fahda Al-Sulaiman, Rand Alnowaiser, Noura Alkhayyal
RIYADH: Jeddah United Club have added another remarkable chapter to their legacy by clinching gold at the Saudi 3x3 Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Held over three days in Madinah, the overall tournament was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Basketball Federation, showcasing the country’s commitment to advancing basketball across all categories.
The event featured three competitive brackets — for men, women and under-18 boys — and drew more than 1,500 spectators, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for the sport.
In the women’s division, six teams competed: Jeddah United, Al-Nassr Club, Al-Qadisiyah Club, NEOM Club, Jeddah Club, and Gym Master Team.
From the opening game to the final, Jeddah United displayed unmatched dominance and tactical finesse.
Jeddah United opened their campaign with a commanding 21–2 victory over Gym Master. They followed with a solid 14–5 win against Al-Qadisiyah in the group stage. In the semifinal, they outpaced Jeddah Club 20–12.
The final proved to be the most intense matchup of the tournament, as they faced a determined Al-Nassr squad. In a tightly contested battle, Jeddah United held their nerve to clinch a thrilling 22–20 victory, sealing the championship without dropping a single game.
The championship squad featured standout performances from Kawthar Khayyat, Fahda Al-Sulaiman, Rand Alnowaiser, and Noura Alkhayyal, all under the direction of team manager Ahmed Amir.
Their synergy, athleticism, and tactical discipline were evident throughout the tournament, setting a high bar for future competitions.
Jeddah United’s triumph was bolstered by strong institutional support, which includes their strategic partnership with the University of Business and Technology and the medical backing of MyClinic.
This latest title adds to Jeddah United’s impressive record. They previously secured back-to-back gold medals at the Saudi Games in 2022 and 2023, followed by a bronze in 2024.
With this 3x3 tournament victory, they continue to affirm their position as pioneers in women’s basketball in Saudi Arabia, inspiring a new generation of female athletes and setting a benchmark for excellence in national and regional competitions.
As the landscape of Saudi sports evolves, Jeddah United’s continued success serves as a powerful symbol of the Kingdom’s growing commitment to women’s participation and achievement in sports.
ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 offers Saudi teams shot at Esports World Cup glory
- Top Overwatch 2 squads compete for $20k prize and place in the global circuit
Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning esports scene takes another significant step forward as the ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 kicks off, spotlighting the Kingdom’s top Overwatch 2 talent and offering a direct path to the Esports World Cup.
Organized by ESL FACEIT Group, a Savvy Games Group company, the tournament features eight elite Saudi teams battling for a share of the $20,000 prize pool. But more than just the money is on the line — the winning team will earn a coveted spot in the Overwatch Champions Series, a premier international circuit that feeds into the EWC.
“The ESL Saudi Challenge is more than just a local tournament; it’s a strategic platform that offers players a genuine opportunity to reach the global stage,” said Franck Guignery, senior vice president of Middle East and North Africa at ESL FACEIT Group. “As an official operating partner of the EWC, ESL FACEIT Group is committed to building professional pathways and empowering local talent to represent Saudi Arabia in the international esports scene.”
The initiative is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s national strategy to develop a sustainable esports ecosystem and position the Kingdom as a global hub for competitive gaming.
This year’s tournament will culminate with the grand final on May 30 at VOV Gaming in Riyadh, where the top three teams from the May 13–16 playoffs will compete live in front of a home crowd.
With high stakes and international exposure on offer, the ESL Saudi Challenge has become a proving ground for players looking to make the leap from national heroes to global contenders.
Crown prince congratulates Al-Ahli on historic Asian Elite Champions League win
- Praises Al-Ahli for exceptional performance, professionalism
- Victory vital to boost Saudi’s growing stature in global sports
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated Al-Ahli on Monday for winning the 2025 Asian Elite Champions League.
At a reception here, the crown prince met with Sport Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal, Al-Ahli Club Chairman Dr. Khaled Al-Issa Al-Ghamdi, and several of the club’s staff and players.
The crown prince congratulated the team on their historic victory and praised them for their exceptional performance and professionalism.
He stressed the importance of hard work to elevate Saudi Arabia’s profile in the global sports arena.
Al-Ahli’s continental success marks a major milestone in the club’s history and comes amid Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in sports and culture as a part of Vision 2030.
