Top Saudi Overwatch 2 teams battle for $20K prize pool and a path to the Esports World Cup
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – As esports continues to thrive across Saudi Arabia, the ESL Saudi Challenge 2025, powered by ESL FACEIT Group, a Savvy Games Group company, is emerging as a key accelerator for local competitive talent, offering Saudi players a meaningful pathway to global recognition.
More than just a national tournament, the ESL Saudi Challenge 2025 presents a transformative opportunity for participating teams. In addition to a $20,000 prize pool, this year’s champions will secure a place in the Overwatch Champions Series, a major international circuit that feeds directly into the Esports World Cup (EWC). This progression reflects a growing infrastructure for esports in the region, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s long-term ambitions to nurture homegrown talent and build a globally competitive ecosystem.
Franck Guignery, Senior Vice President of MENA at ESL FACEIT Group, stated:
“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. By awarding the top team a direct qualification spot in the Overwatch Champions Series, which feeds into the Esports World Cup, we’re opening the door to world-class competition. 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.”
With Overwatch 2 at the heart of the competition, the tournament features eight of the Kingdom’s top teams battling for more than just prize money; they’re playing for visibility, advancement, and legacy. By linking national events with international circuits, the ESL Saudi Challenge reflects a strategic investment in sustainable talent development and cross-border competitive integration.
The playoffs take place from May 13 to 16, leading into the live Grand Final at VOV Gaming in Riyadh on May 30, where the top three teams will compete in front of a live audience for the title and a chance to carry the Saudi flag onto the global stage.
