Paving the way to global recognition, a new and improved MENA ESPORTS CUP returns this year to blaze the trail to global stardom for simulator champions throughout the MENA region.

Esports is witnessing unprecedented growth worldwide, becoming a central feature of the FIA’s activities as the esports sector transforms from gaming to professional sports and rises in popularity along the way.

An increasing number of World Cups are emerging to meet demand, with professional teams and racers moving from the real to the virtual to compete in driving simulators for that all-important victory.

Holding its first-ever edition last year, following the Covid-19 outbreak, the MENA ESPORTS CUP returned in 2022 and the bar has been raised. Simulator racers aged 16 and above competed in National Qualifiers in countries across the MENA region, with the fastest progressing to the Finals, which will take place in Amman, Jordan, in October.

The UAE qualifiers took place last weekend, with Salem Almesmari and Sultan Khalifa making it through to represent the UAE in October. Both drivers achieved this success last year, and both went a step further at this year’s qualifiers, improving on their past performances. The young hopefuls will be looking for an even better result at the MENA ESPORTS CUP Final.

With Egypt and Morocco joining the extensive roster of countries, the broader segment of participants will only add to the electrifying atmosphere. This young talent now has the chance to prove they can compete at the highest levels internationally, while demonstrating the boom in motorsports that the MENA region has witness in recent years.

Khalid Bin Sulayem, EMSO President, said: “MENA esports cup is a great project for development of esports in the region. We would like thank to Jordan Motorsport for organizing the event for the second year. After successful first edition of the MENA esports cup we are looking forward to this year’s edition and aiming to achieve the top result. We believe both winners will proudly represent the UAE in Jordan.”