Region’s top e-sports gamers in Riyadh for $2m League of Legends

Leading e-sports gamers from throughout the Middle East and North Africa will be in Riyadh today for the Nexus Festival — the region’s first official League of Legends tournament.

Players will compete in six contests over three days in front of an expected audience of more than 30,000, with $2 million in prize money at stake.

Eight teams have booked their place in the showpiece event after competing against more than 750 teams in qualifying rounds held in 13 countries across the region. Each region saw their top two teams qualify, including heavyweights such as Saudi’s EGZ and Oshtek Warriors, Levant’s Nasr eSports and Qlash, North Africa’s Devine Vendetta and Eagle Esports Tunisia, and the GCC’s Hex and Shot 2 Kill.

The playoffs promise a showdown between some of the best players in the region, such as Korean Kid, Cipher, Gaaloul, Azra and internationally renowned coaches such as Yamato Cannon and Kanini.

US singer Jason Derulo will put on a special concert as part of the festival, while a series of activities and entertainment has been lined up for people of all ages.

Onur Tamer, METAI general manager of developer Riot Games, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of people for the first Riot Games tournament in the region. The gaming industry has rapidly increased in the MENA, especially in Saudi Arabia, and we are delighted to be hosting the first Nexus Festival here in Riyadh.

“We have been thoroughly impressed with what we have seen during the qualifying stages and this will provide a series of enthralling contests at the festival. With the best gamers testing themselves to be crowned champion in six competitions, it promises to be a thrilling three days of action.”