In a display of strength and skill, Twisted Minds reinforced its position as a dominant force in the Saudi esports scene, after being crowned champion of the ESL Saudi 2026 Overwatch 2 Finals. The team not only achieved the title, but also successfully defended it after a decisive match against Kurohana, which they won with a sweeping 4-0 score, confirming their absolute superiority in the tournament that has become a landmark in the Kingdom's esports events calendar.
Background of the event and its importance in the context of the national strategy
This achievement comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is experiencing an unprecedented boom in the gaming and esports sector, driven by the National Gaming and Esports Strategy, a key component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. This strategy aims to position the Kingdom as a leading global hub in this field through substantial investments, infrastructure development, and the support of local talent. The Saudi ESL Challenge, organized by the world-leading ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), is one of the most prominent initiatives translating this vision into reality, providing a professional platform for Saudi teams to hone their skills and compete at the highest levels.
Details of the tournament and its impact on the local scene
The tournament's live finals were held at EFG Studios in Riyadh, amidst a large and enthusiastic crowd, reflecting the growing passion for esports in Saudi society. The finals were preceded by a rigorous online qualifying round held on January 23rd and 24th, featuring top Saudi teams and showcasing the wealth of talent within the local scene. With a total prize pool of $20,000, the tournament was more than just a competition for the title; it also served as a significant financial incentive for rising stars, encouraging them to pursue professional gaming and contributing to the development of a sustainable talent pool.
Regional and international impact of the tournament's success
The success of the Twisted Minds team and the overall brilliance of the tournament extends beyond the local level, sending a powerful message regionally and internationally. It demonstrates that the Kingdom has become a leading destination for major esports tournaments in the Middle East and North Africa region, capable of attracting and organizing world-class events. This success also opens doors for Saudi talent to compete on the international stage, with tournaments like the ESL Challenge serving as a bridge between local competitions and global professionalism.
In this context, Frank Gouenry, Executive Vice President and General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at ESL FACEIT Group, said: “The ESL Saudi Challenge is a pivotal milestone in the Group’s commitment to the thriving gaming and esports community in Saudi Arabia. The competition aims to facilitate the launch of talent from national platforms to global arenas, while contributing to building a sustainable ecosystem, in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Gaming and Esports.”
With this victory, Twisted Minds not only adds a new title to its collection, but also contributes to writing a new chapter in the success story of Saudi esports, an ambitious story that is steadily moving towards global recognition.
