eXTREMESLAND 2017 Middle East winners announced
United Arab Emirates, Dubai, 20th September 2017: eXTREMESLAND Asia’s much awaited event, the Counter Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) tournament concluded in a thrilling finale bringing the Middle East Champion’s Tour to an end. And second time in a row, BenQ’s eSport brand ZOWIE announced its collaboration with eXTREMESLAND as a title sponsor and official gaming product partner.
With 12 teams from UAE, 7 teams from Saudi Arabia, 4 teams from Lebanon and 6 teams from Iran, the event saw teams from the Middle East region engage in an intense battle. After a gruelling session, the teams that made it to the top were Nasr eSports (former Team Risky) and Yalla eSports from UAE, ArchNemesis from Saudi Arabia, Team RVN from Kuwait and Game Corner from Iran. Ultimately, it was Nasr eSports that clinched the title to book a spot in the next round of the games in Taiwan following a 2-0 victory over Team RvN in the final (16-6 on cobblestone and 16-14 on mirage)
eSport Gaming industry: Steadily growing or gaining attention
The participation is proof of the expanding eSports industry in the region which is slowly but surely finding its roots. Yet, most of the gaming teams have little or no exposure on the international stage and are confined to playing at home or internet cafes, except UAE & Turkey. However, few teams like Nasr eSport (former Team Risky), Spotnet are some of the few teams that have managed to compete on a larger scale, but often at their own expense.
Middle East CS:GO’s forerunner Risky Gaming (current Nasr eSports)
Winning at various local gaming events and showcasing their talent at international leagues, Team Risky without any professional background and sponsorship support in the first few years created a name for them in the Middle East region. Based on their talents, efforts, and their love of CS: GO, they quickly transformed their skillsets from very outstanding and extraordinary. They efforts of winning countless tournaments, made them quickly accumulate their reputation among local CS: GO players, who regard Risky Gaming as the role model they wanted to become and surpass.
Such atmosphere becomes the contributor of accelerating the local CS: GO development. Coupled with the media exposure and the addition of some sponsors, the Middle East CS: GO is moving toward better and better future.
This year with more competitive energy and skill sets, Team Risky (now Nasr eSport) qualifies for the eXTREMESLAND CS: GO Asia Open 2017 to be conducted in Shanghai from 19th – 22nd October. And will represent Middle East on the highest stage of the tournament that attracts professional teams from around the world.
