Gen.G Esports crowned League of Legends champions at Esports World Cup

Gen.G Esports continued their dominant run on the international stage by capturing the League of Legends title at the Esports World Cup 2025 over the weekend. (X/@EWC_EN)
Gen.G Esports continued their dominant run on the international stage by capturing the League of Legends title at the Esports World Cup 2025 over the weekend. (X/@EWC_EN)
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Updated 21 July 2025
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Gen.G Esports crowned League of Legends champions at Esports World Cup

Gen.G Esports crowned League of Legends champions at Esports World Cup
  • Koreans unbeaten in 26 games, top club rankings with 1,800 points
  • Fan support ‘electric and energetic,’ and ‘drove’ team to the victory

RIYADH: Gen.G Esports continued their dominant run on the international stage by capturing the League of Legends title at the Esports World Cup 2025 over the weekend.

They defeated AG.AL 3-2 in a dramatic Grand Final to claim their second international trophy in as many weeks. The Korean powerhouses now sit top of the Club Championship standings with 1,800 points.

They are unbeaten in 26 consecutive matches, one of the most commanding streaks in the history of competitive League of Legends.

The title win in Riyadh follows their victory at the Mid-Season Invitational, making this the fastest back-to-back international title haul ever recorded in the game.

Their flawless campaign at the Esports World Cup culminated in a thrilling five-game final against AG.AL, who had earlier stunned both Hanwha Life Esports and reigning champions T1.

“It’s a very meaningful win for our team,” said Kim “Kiin” Ki-in, who was later named tournament MVP and awarded a $10,000 prize.

“In the past in international events we feel that we have underperformed, so to achieve back-to-back wins in the Mid-Season Invitational and now here at the Esports World Cup means that we are still a top contender level team. We are right at the top.

“And on a personal level, the wins let me know that I’m still the player I know I can be and that we can continue to lift many trophies together.”

Teammate Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon said: “The atmosphere in the arena was amazing, you could really feel it and I think that support was what drove us to go on and win in the end,” he said.

“The overall support of the fans throughout the tournament was incredible, they were electric and energetic, and they continue to drive us to lift more trophies again as soon as we can compete again,” he added.

The Gen.G lineup of Joo “Duro” Min-kyu, Jeong, Kim “Canyon” Geon-bu, Park “Ruler” Jae-hyuk, and Kim outclassed 11 other top-tier teams to secure the $600,000 prize and 1,000 Club Championship points.

Arnold Hur, CEO of Gen.G Esports, hailed the team’s consistency and hunger for improvement.

“For us, the important thing is to keep on improving and delivering positive performances and results each year compared to the previous one, and that’s what we’re doing in this year’s edition so far,” he said.

“Everyone is working to help the club reach new heights and to keep rising.”

Reflecting on his MVP performance, Kiin added: “We were here last year, but we got eliminated early, so this time I wanted to lift the trophy, and I did. I’m really excited.”


Ibrahim Albassam: From school champion to Saudi eLeague competitor

 Ibrahim Albassam: From school champion to Saudi eLeague competitor
Updated 5 sec ago
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Ibrahim Albassam: From school champion to Saudi eLeague competitor

 Ibrahim Albassam: From school champion to Saudi eLeague competitor
  • The 16-year-old Saudi talent has signed for Twisted Minds following promising performances in the School eLeague
  • Progression from School eLeague to professional level propelled by Saudi Esports Federation’s investment in grassroots development

RIYADH: Few achieve their dreams by the age of 16. Yet, fresh from high school, Ibrahim Albassam has already achieved a key life goal, leveling up to go from a gaming fan to an electronic sports professional, joining Twisted Minds as a pro player.

While millions around the globe battle it out daily in “EA Sports FC 25,” only the best of the best get to cross the white line and go for glory as a professional player.

As in real football, goals win games in “EA Sports FC 25,” and Albassam knows how to hit the back of the net, but progressing to a pro was a steep learning curve as he balanced his studies with his newfound career.

“Balancing my life as a student and with competitive e-sports was a critical part of my early journey,” he explained. 

“I always made it a priority to stay focused on my studies and exams, while also dedicating time daily for practise and improvement. That discipline helped shape my mindset as a player, learning how to manage pressure, stay consistent, and remain committed to both education and gaming.

“I truly believe that when you’re passionate about something, you’ll always find the time to pursue it and succeed. During that time, I practiced consistently for one to two hours each day to stay sharp and improve my performance.”

Albassam began his e-sports journey through the School eLeague. His talent quickly stood out leading him to represent the Eastern Province in the “EA Sports FC 25” tournament, where he delivered strong performances.

After winning first place in the School eLeague Championship, he was signed by Twisted Minds, one of the Kingdom’s leading e-sports organizations.

“The School eLeague was my first step into the professional scene and served as the gateway for me to join one of the top teams in Saudi Arabia, Twisted Minds and represent them in the Saudi eLeague ‘EA FC 25’ tournament,” explains Albassam. 

“The biggest difference I noticed was the level of intensity and seriousness. In the Saudi eLeague, you’re facing top-tier players from every club, each with their own achievements and experience.

“It’s a much more competitive environment, which forces you to grow, learn, and elevate your game quickly. On top of that, representing a team like Twisted Minds adds even more motivation to perform, win, and continue developing as a professional.”

Albassam’s success is one of many examples of the Saudi Esports Federation’s success in investing in grassroots development, creating pathways for talent to progress, compete at the highest level and represent Saudi Arabia in the global e-sports scene.

The Schools eLeague, organized by the Saudi Esports Federation in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has become a hotbed for talent and a platform for aspiring players to learn, develop and showcase their abilities with opportunities to take the leap into careers in e-sports.

Albassam is grateful for the opportunities available to young players in the Kingdom and for the support of his family who were initially unsure about his ambitions but were quickly convinced that e-sports is a significant focus area for Saudi Arabia, with young players like him at the forefront of its progression.

“At first, my family had some concerns about me pursuing a professional career in gaming, which is understandable, as they hadn’t seen or experienced the opportunities in esports the way our generation has,” Albassam explained. 

“Over time, they began to recognize the potential of this industry and how a passion for gaming can evolve into a legitimate and promising career path, especially with the level of support e-sports is receiving here in the Kingdom.

“As always, they stood by me. Like with any emerging field, initial doubt is natural, but once it becomes real, it becomes normal.”

 


FIFA faces Dutch class action over player transfer regulations

FIFA faces Dutch class action over player transfer regulations
Updated 04 August 2025
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FIFA faces Dutch class action over player transfer regulations

FIFA faces Dutch class action over player transfer regulations
  • The foundation added that consultancy firm Compass Lexecon had estimated that damages could run into billions of euros
  • The Dutch football players’ group is seeking compensation over alleged loss of income due to restrictive transfer rules

Aug 4 : A Dutch football players’ group is preparing a “potentially billion-dollar” class action claim against FIFA and other football associations, seeking compensation over alleged loss of income due to restrictive transfer rules, it said on Monday.

The Dutch Foundation for Justice said world football governing body FIFA’s rules had affected approximately 100,000 players in European member states and the United Kingdom since 2002.

The foundation added that consultancy firm Compass Lexecon had estimated that damages could run into billions of euros, with the foundation’s board member Dolf Segaar telling Dutch news agency NOS that “it is a billion-dollar claim.”

The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) is among the associations to be named in the suit.

“This case is being brought in the Netherlands under the Dutch Act on the Settlement of Mass Damages in Collective Action (WAMCA), which allows this legal action to be launched by JfP on behalf of a large group of professional footballers,” it added.

FIFA and the KNVB did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.

The foundation added that a preliminary analysis from global economic consulting company Compass Lexecon estimated that professional footballers collectively earned around 8 percent less over their careers than they would have due to FIFA’s regulations.

“All professional football players have lost a significant amount of earnings due to the unlawful FIFA Regulations,” foundation chair Lucia Melcherts said in a statement.

“’Justice for Players’ is bringing this claim to help achieve justice for footballers and fairness.”

The foundation added that the case was launched following a ruling on French player Lassana Diarra, who was fined 10 million euros ($11.56 million) by FIFA for leaving Lokomotiv Moscow one year into a four-year deal.

In October 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union said some of FIFA’s rules on player transfers went against European Union laws and free movement principles in the case linked to former Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid player Diarra.

Following the ruling by the EU’s top court, FIFA in December adopted an interim framework concerning the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.

The interim regulatory framework affects the calculation of compensation payable if there is a breach of contract and the burden of proof in relation to both compensation payable and an inducement to breach a contract.

Justice for Players said it will be advised by law firm Dupont-Hissel, founded by Jean-Louis Dupont.

Dupont is the same lawyer who took the landmark case of Belgian Jean-Marc Bosman, which in 1995 cleared the way for players in the European Union to move to other clubs at the end of contracts without a transfer fee being paid.

Dupont-Hissel also represented Diarra in his case against FIFA, with Dupont saying in 2024 that a judgment backing the player would be a milestone in modernizing football governance.

He added that it would allow players’ unions and club associations to regulate their employment practices.


Denver set to host Global Champions Arabians Tour for first time

Denver set to host Global Champions Arabians Tour for first time
Updated 04 August 2025
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Denver set to host Global Champions Arabians Tour for first time

Denver set to host Global Champions Arabians Tour for first time
  • Elite competition and cultural celebration will take place at National Western Complex on Aug. 8-9

DOHA: The Global Champions Arabians Tour, or GCAT, makes its debut in Denver, the US, with the fourth stage of the 2025 Americas Series taking place from Aug. 8-9 at the National Western Complex.

Following the success of GCAT’s events in Scottsdale, Miami Beach and Sao Paulo, the Denver stage brings the world’s leading Arabian horse championship to the heart of the American West.

The two-day event will showcase more than 100 purebred Arabian horses competing across yearling, junior and senior categories.

The Denver stage offers a total prize purse of $270,000 and qualifies winners for the GCAT Americas overall ranking, which awards $1.275 million to the top 20 male and female horses and top 20 handlers, with an additional $50,000 bonus for the highest-scoring horse across the series.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Global Champions Arabians Tour to Denver for the very first time,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Nasser Al-Thani, deputy CEO of the Global Champions Arabians Tour.

“This stage reflects the tour’s mission of expanding the reach and impact of Arabian horse sport across new territories,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming the Denver community to witness excellence and heritage come alive in one of America’s most iconic equestrian settings.”

The event begins on Friday, Aug. 8, with a day of qualifying rounds across yearling, junior and senior categories, with each class evaluated by a panel of international judges.

In addition to the competitions, Friday will also feature cultural displays, retail booths and interactive experiences.

Saturday, Aug. 9, marks the pinnacle of the weekend for the championship, where the top qualifiers return to compete for gold, silver and bronze titles.

The day will include formal award ceremonies, the official honoring of GCAT officials, and opportunities to meet the winning horses and handlers. The arena will then transform into a concert venue for a closing performance by country music artists Big & Rich.

After Denver, the tour continues to Las Vegas, for the final stop of the GCAT Americas series from Sept. 26-28, as GCAT moves closer to its grand finale, the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme in Doha, on Dec. 3-6.

Rankings after last event in Sao Paulo:

Top female horses

1. Exxaltress – 40 pts

2. SedonaAS – 37 pts

3. Vixxen K – 30 pts

Top male horses

1. Tasheem PMA – 40 pts

2.  SVBCalais – 37 pts

3. Rhaphael SBA – 35 pts

Top handlers

1. Sandro Pinha – 153 pts

2. RicardoRivero – 131 pts

3. Andy Selman – 120 pts


Saudi Arabia’s Team Falcons win OWCS Midseason Championship at Esports World Cup 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Team Falcons win OWCS Midseason Championship at Esports World Cup 2025
Updated 04 August 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Team Falcons win OWCS Midseason Championship at Esports World Cup 2025

Saudi Arabia’s Team Falcons win OWCS Midseason Championship at Esports World Cup 2025
  • Team becomes eligible to win the Esports World Cup Club Championship after successful run in Overwatch 2

RIYADH: Team Falcons has won the OWCS Midseason Championship at Esports World Cup 2025, becoming the first ever team to win the Jafonso award after qualifying to the tournament through the last chance qualifier.

Named after Joao “Jafonso” Vasconcelos, who, in 2024, was the first, and until now only, player to win an EWC tournament after qualifying through the LCQ, the award celebrates teams who arrive in Riyadh with no guaranteed place in the competition but go on to win the entire tournament.

The Korean roster of Team Falcons arrived in the organization’s home city having just missed out on qualifying to the main event in both the Champions Clash and the OWCS Korea Stage 2. Forced to enter the LCQ, Team Falcons were a favorite to make it to the main event given they are the reigning OWCS world champions, but with other major names such as ZETA DIVISION and Cold Metal in the mix it was not a guarantee.

However, Team Falcons would eventually win the LCQ in convincing fashion, and secure a place in the main event.

From there, Team Falcons eased through their group before taking down Geekay Esports and T1 in the playoffs to reach the grand final. There they faced-off against fellow Middle East organization Al-Qadsiah Esports, but made things look easy with a swift 4-0 victory to earn them the OWCS Midseason Championship title.

“Before this tournament, I had to remind myself I will bring this team back to the top,” said Kim “Proper” Dong-hyun, who earned the Sony MVP award for his performance throughout the event. “I think I proved myself. I am really grateful for it.”

Team Falcons earned 1,000 Club Championship points for their victory, which moves them back into first place in the Club Championship with 3,500 points. As they have now won a trophy at the Esports World Cup 2025, they are eligible to win the Club Championship should they top the table at the end of the event. As the defending champions, finally getting a win under their belt and becoming eligible for the trophy will be a big weight off the shoulders of everyone at Team Falcons.

Week five at the Esports World Cup 2025 takes place until Aug. 10 with finals across “Call of Duty: Warzone,” “EA SPORTS FC 25” and “Rainbow 6 Siege X.”


UAE’s Commando Group crowned champions at Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship

UAE’s Commando Group crowned champions at Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship
Updated 04 August 2025
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UAE’s Commando Group crowned champions at Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship

UAE’s Commando Group crowned champions at Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship
  • Emirati clubs take the top 3 spots in the inaugural edition of the event in Al-Ain

AL-AIN: The curtain came down on Sunday on the inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025 with Emirati clubs sweeping the top three positions.

Organized by International Vision Sports Management, the championship featured more than 1,000 athletes from over 60 countries over three days at ADNEC Centre Al-Ain.

The final day saw the culmination of professional category matches, with the UAE’s Commando Group topping the standings in the division, followed by ADMA International in second place and M.O.D UAE in third. Winners were awarded medals and cash prizes at the conclusion of the event.

This initiative was held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and under the umbrella of Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro.

In attendance on the final day and participating in the awards ceremony were Sheikh Tarik bin Faisal Al-Qassimi; Saeed Al-Dhaheri, destination management department director at the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi; and Tareq Al-Bahri, general manager of International Vision Sports Management.

Al-Bahri commented: “This year, we succeeded in delivering an exceptional edition of the Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship by attracting top-tier international athletes to the Al-Ain Region and organizing professional-level matches that reflect Abu Dhabi’s status as the world capital of jiu-jitsu. We thank all our supporting partners and the fans whose presence played a vital role in making this event a success.

“We promise to continue delivering high-caliber grappling championships that elevate the sport and help uncover new talent at both the local and global levels,” he added.

“Through this championship, we aim to cement Abu Dhabi and the Al-Ain Region as global destinations for world-class sporting events, while expanding interest in grappling across all age groups. In future editions, we look forward to growing the event further, both in terms of participation and organizational excellence, so it continues to meet the expectations of athletes and spectators alike.”

Pouya Rahmani of Team Nogueira Dubai, who won gold in the Men’s Grappling / 18+ / Professionals / 125kg division, said: “I feel amazing. This is my first world title in grappling as a black belt, and it means a lot to me. It’s been a long journey, and finally winning this medal is incredibly satisfying. My final match was against Haitham Redha. I lost to him the last time, and he’s a strong fighter, but I managed to take the victory this time. Thank you, Abu Dhabi. Thank you, Al-Ain.”

Over the course of three days, the championship featured competitions across the professional, masters, amateur and youth categories.