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The qualifying rounds of Al Da‘wa competitions were held Wednesday in two categories of falcons, as part of the activities of the 17th edition of the Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2026). Al Da‘wa competitions took place in the morning with 10 falconers qualifying: Al Sheehaniya Team (two falcons), Hamad Abdullah al-Arjani (two falcons), Al Zam Team (three falcons), Abdullah Amer al-Kaabi, Mohammed Khabbab al-Nuaimi, and Lefan Team.**media[404553]**A falcon from Al Sheehaniya Team recorded the best time in the group at 15.752 seconds. In the other category, the qualifiers were Sultan Hamad al-Humaidi (two falcons), Mihna Mohamed al-Dosari, Mohamed Khabbab al-Nuaimi, Lefan Team, Al Sheehaniya Team, Al Bairaq Team, Ahmed Abdullah al-Khater, Al Zam Team and Hamad Abdulhadi bin Naifa. The falcon “Ghasham,” owned by Sultan Hamad al-Humaidi, achieved the best time in the group at 17.181 seconds.**media[404554]**Hamad Saleh al-Masoud, head of Al Da‘wa Championship at the Marmi Festival, said the competition was extremely intense in both categories, noting that rankings shifted with the completion of each falcon run, and that hundredths of a second were decisive in determining the qualifying positions. He explained that such technical speed-based championships are governed by tiny details that make the difference, and related to the falcon’s launch, flight performance, handling at the finish line, or the caller’s guidance.**media[404555]**Accordingly, participating falconers lauded the competitive atmosphere provided by Marmi 2026, as well as the high level of organisation and co-ordination, which was positively reflected in the recorded results. In the evening session, competitions for Group Thirteen of the Haddad Al Tahadi Championship were held, resulting in the victory and qualification of three falconers for the final, Al Majd Team, Mohamed Hamad al-Adhbi, and Al Gharbiya Team, which raised the total number of finalists to 22.**media[404556]**Muteb Mubarak al-Qahtani, president of the Marmi Festival, crowned the winners and qualifiers at the festival site. Each qualified winner receives a cash prize of QR100,000, in addition to competing for the grand prize in the final, a Lexus vehicle. Shawi al-Kaabi, head of Haddad Al Tahadi Committee at the Marmi Festival, pointed out that the falcons demonstrated their readiness and strength in this round, raising the total number of qualified winners to 22. He explained that most of the falcons delivered heroic performances despite the strength of the racing pigeon used by Abdullah Fakhro, and reflecting the intense and rigorous training they underwent.**media[404557]**Participants in the Haddad Al Tahadi Championship highly appreciated the Marmi Festival, which has become an international platform for falconers, bringing them together from all regions to exchange expertise and renew connections. Today morning, the local Al Da‘wa Championship continues, while the evening session will host competitions for Group Fourteen of the Haddad Al Tahadi Championship. 

The peregrine falcons failed for the second consecutive day to catch the racing pigeons in the Hadd Al-Tahaddi Championship, held as part of the 17th edition of the Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2026). The festival is held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani and is supported by the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund “Daam.” It is taking place at Sabkhat Marmi in the Sealine Area, and will continue until January 24.The competition between the peregrine falcons and the racing pigeons resulted in the pigeons prevailing in Group Five, as none of the falcons were able to catch the pigeons, which returned safely to their nests in Umm Ebairiya for the second day in a row.**media[401740]**Shawi al-Kaabi, chairman of Hadd Al-Tahaddi Committee, said that the falconers of Group Five were indeed unable to make a catch, and the advantage went to Abdullah Fakhro’s pigeons for the second consecutive day, leaving the number of winners and qualifiers for the final round at eight falconers.Al-Kaabi explained that it is difficult to say that the peregrine falcons are weak or poorly trained. During the competition, the falcons chased and attempted to trap the pigeons, but the pigeons remained faster thanks to their light weight and intense training. Racing pigeons are among the fastest birds, making the competition fierce, but luck did not favour the falcons.He added that the Hadd Al-Tahaddi Championship will continue on Wednesday during the evening session with Group Six, calling on participants to arrive early so the committee can begin its work in an organised manner to ensure better coordination of the championship.**media[401741]**Meanwhile, Abdullah Fakhro, owner of the racing pigeons, said that the pigeons’ superiority for the second consecutive day in the Hadd Al-Tahaddi Championship within the Marmi Festival confirms that organised work and continuous training make the difference in such difficult competitions. He explained that the pigeons demonstrated a high ability to manoeuvre and accurately read the flight path of the peregrine falcons over the Sealine, enabling them to escape and return safely to their nests despite the falcons’ powerful flight and rapid dives.Fakhro added that the secret behind this success lies in his constant focus on diversifying and renewing his racing pigeons by introducing new types and young birds no older than one or two years, ages characterised by high vitality and better responsiveness to training and endurance. However, he stressed that he does not know in advance which competitor will be assigned a particular pigeon, which gives the competition greater credibility and makes the challenge fairer and more exciting.**media[401742]**The morning competitions of the Al-Tal'a Championship were held, featuring falconers from Groups 21 to 25. Abdulhadi Jaber al-Buraidi from Group 21 and Hamdan Mohamed al-Nuaimi from Group 22 qualified for the next round, while the remaining groups failed to advance.Rashdan bin Obaid al-Rashdan, vice chairman of the Al-Tal’a Committee, said that Tuesday’s Al-Tal’a competitions took place under suitable and favourable hunting conditions. All participants were given ample opportunity and sufficient time for their falcons to ascend, but the falcons’ performance was poor that day, particularly in Groups 23, 24, and 25.**media[401743]**He noted that two falcons were disqualified because each repeatedly stopped mid-air and deviated from their intended path, indicating they could not see the houbara bustard. He added that the Al-Tal’a Championship will continue on Wednesday for Groups 26 to 30, with the qualifiers concluding on Thursday through the postponed group competitions (12, 13, 14, 15, 19, and 20). After that, a draw will be conducted among those qualified for the semifinal round.Besides, the registration for the International Da’w Championship began Tuesday and will continue until January 15. The International Da’w Championship, scheduled to take place on January 20, includes four categories. Registration for the International Shooting Championship concludes today (January 7). The championship includes three categories: Juniors (ages 14–18), to be held on January 9; Amateurs on January 10; and Professionals, whose competitions will take place on January 17. 

Competitions in Group Four of the Haddad Al-Tahaddi Championship were held Monday as part of the 17th Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2026), with homing pigeons prevailing after all falcons failed to make a catch.None of the Peregrine falcons succeeded in catching the pigeons, which returned safely to their lofts in the Umm Ebairiya Area.**media[401407]**Shawi al-Kaabi, chairman of the Haddad Al-Tahaddi Committee, explained that in Group Four, none of the falconers succeeded in making a catch, giving the advantage to Abdullah Fakhro’s pigeon after two previous rounds in which the falcons had managed to secure victories. As a result, the number of winners in the championship and those qualifying for the final has now reached eight falconers.**media[401408]**Al-Kaabi said the performance of the falcons was good, delivering appropriate competition and maneuvering, but luck was not on their side in this round. He noted that the falconers showed apparent readiness and the fitness of the falcons was evident.**media[401409]**Al-Talaa Championship competitions for Groups 16–20 were also held Monday. The committee concluded the competitions for three groups (16, 17, and 18), resulting in the qualification of two falconers from Team Barzan in Groups 16 and 18, while no one qualified from Group 17.**media[401410]**However, Al-Talaa Championship Committee decided to postpone the competitions of Groups 19 and 20 due to increased wind speed.Ali bin Ayyash al-Mansouri, chairman of Al-Talaa Committee at the Marmi Festival, said that the decision to postpone the two groups came after careful monitoring of weather conditions at the competition field, as wind speeds intensified after the completion of the first three groups, which had competed under ideal conditions with clear visibility.**media[401411]**Al-Mansouri stressed that the committee is keen on ensuring the safety of participants, in addition to providing equal and fair opportunities for everyone, guaranteeing that competitions are held under fair and suitable conditions for all, whether in the Al-Talaa Championship or the Haddad Al-Tahaddi Championship.**media[401412]**He noted that Tuesday morning will witness the qualifying rounds of five groups in Al-Talaa Championship (Groups 21–25), with continuous monitoring of weather conditions to ensure the safety of all participants.**media[401413]**The festival witnessed a notable public turnout, especially from foreign visitors interested in falconry heritage. 

The 17th edition of the Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2026) opened Thursday at Sealine under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani with the backing from the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund (Daam).The festival launched with the Hudd Challenge, a competition for young Saker falcons. Falcons are tasked with catching or cornering a released homing pigeon. Winners receive QR100,000 and qualify for the finals, with the top prize including a Lexus car.In the first round, five participants qualified for the finals: Al Shamsi Team (UAE), Al Gharbia Team, Al Mashghar Team, Al Nasraniya Team, and Mohamed Ahmed Al Harbi (UAE). Winners were crowned on-site by Muteb Mubarak al-Qahtani, chairman of the Marmi Festival; and his deputy, Abdulwahab Omair al-Nuaimi.Mohamed bin Mubarak al-Ali, head of committees and festival spokesperson, highlighted the 17th edition as a milestone in organisational development, field management, and competition rules. “Each edition introduces new elements, building on cumulative experience to enhance the level of competition and preserve Qatar’s falconry heritage,” he said.Shawi al-Kaabi, head of the Hudd Challenge, stressed the importance of participants’ safety and adherence to competition guidelines. The challenge uses tracking devices and specialised judges to ensure fair evaluation of the falcons’ performance while protecting both birds and competitors.Falconers lauded the festival for its role in maintaining Qatar’s and the Gulf’s falconry heritage. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalid al-Thani of the Al Mashghar Team expressed excitement at qualifying his team’s first falcon this year, noting strong preparation with 11 participating falcons. Mohamed Ahmed Jaber al-Harbi (UAE) described the festival as a vibrant, well-organised event, offering an atmosphere of healthy competition and camaraderie.The festival’s opening day drew large crowds who watched thrilling displays of skill and agility between the Saker falcons and homing pigeons. Competitions are set to continue today, with the Tal’ah Championship qualifiers in the morning and the second round of the Hudd Challenge in the afternoon. 

The activities of the 17th edition of Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival (Marmi 2026) will start on Thursday, Jan 1, and will continue until Jan 24 at Sabkhat Marmi in the Sealine area.The festival is held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad al-Thani, and it is supported by the Social and Sports Activities Support Fund 'Daam'.Muteb al-Qahtani, director of Championships at the Al-Qannas Qatari Society and chairman of the Marmi Festival, revealed that the Hadd Al-Tahaddi Championship will signal the launch of the festival on the evening of Jan 1, 2026, with the first group.He explained that the championship is dedicated to Shaheen falcon chicks, where a homing pigeon and a falcon are released. If the falcon manages to catch or corner the pigeon at a specific location, it is declared the winner and falconer is awarded QR100,000, in addition to qualifying for the final to compete for a Lexus car. He noted that the number of groups in the Hadd Al-Tahaddi Championship for this edition is 18.He added that the Hadd Al-Tahaddi Championship will continue with the second group on the following day, Jan 2. On the same day, the qualifying rounds of the Tal’a Championship for groups 1 to 5 will begin in the morning.He explained that the championship features 30 groups and is based on the falcon’s visual strength in spotting prey, as a houbara bustard is placed 2km from the falcon’s location. The falcon that launches first, lands, and captures the prey qualifies. On Jan 3, the qualifiers for groups six to 10 will take place, while in the evening, the Promising Falconer Championship will be held in parallel with the qualifying rounds of the Saluki Race Championship.The chairman of the Marmi Festival noted that the organising committee opened online registration for promising falconers on Dec 25 which will continue until 11pm on Jan 1, pointing out that the championship is open to the 6–15 age group. The competition will be in the Da’w event over a distance of 200m for the following categories: Tab’a and Shawayhina (wild or bred), and Qarmousha, Koubaj, and Wokri (wild or bred).Al-Qahtani further stated that the Tal’a Championship qualifiers for groups 11 to 15 will take place on Jan 4, groups 16 to 20 on Jan 5, groups 21 to 25 on Jan 6, and groups 26 to 30 on Jan 7.Immediately after the completion of the Tal’a Championship qualifiers, a draw will be conducted to determine the dates of the upcoming final rounds.In addition, al-Qahtani explained that the Hadd Al-Tahaddi Championship will resume with Group 3 on Jan 4, Group 4 (Jan 5), Group 5 (Jan 6), Group 6 (Jan 7), Group 7 (Jan 8), Group 8 (Jan 9), Group 9 (Jan 10), Group 10 (Jan 11), Group 11 (Jan 12), Group 12 (Jan 13), Group 13 (Jan 14), Group 14 (Jan 15), Group 15 (Jan 16), Group 16 (Jan 18), Group 17 (Jan 19), and Group 18 (Jan 20).He further noted that the Local Da’w Championship will be held on Jan 13. He explained that this competition measures the speed of falcons flying from the starting point to the finish line over a distance of 400m, which is a local distance.He added that the Local Da’w Championship will begin on Jan 13 morning for the categories of Gyr-Shaheen chick and locally bred free falcon chick, followed by local production in all categories. On Jan 14, qualifiers will be held for the Gyr Qarnass and free falcon chick categories, while on Jan 15, qualifiers will be held for the Gyr-Shaheen Qarnass and Shaheen Qarnass categories. The Local Da’w finals will conclude with the Gyr chick and free falcon Qarnass categories on the morning of Jan 16.He pointed out that the Saluki Race Championship final will take place on the evening of Saturday, Jan 17.He also noted that the Local Da’w final for all categories will be held on the morning of Jan 19, while the International Da’w final will take place on Jan 20. He said registration details and categories for the international event will be announced soon.Al-Qahtani added that the Hadd Al-Tahaddi Championship final will be held on the evening of Jan 23, while the Mazayin Championship (Falcon Beauty contest) will take place on Jan 24.The festival aims to preserve the cultural and emotional values of this sport inherited from forefathers, in addition to its importance in Arab folk heritage literature, particularly in the Gulf and Qatari context. 

Doha Falcons claimed the runners-up place in the Global Champions League (GCL) of Rome as the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames delivered the only four flawless rounds to claim victory and draw level on points with championship leaders Valkenswaard United.With just two stages left in the 2025 season, both Cannes Stars and Valkenswaard on 277 points, but the latter retain lead given their more number of wins this year.At the Circus Maximus arena, it was the Cannes Stars powered by Iron Dames duo of Sophie Hinners with Iron Dames Combella and Katrin Eckermann aboard Chao Lee & Iron Dames Dialou Blue PS who were simply untouchable across both rounds. The pair produced immaculate clear rounds, combining precision and power to secure a commanding win on 0 faults and an overall time of 151.17 seconds.Eckermann praised the team’s cohesion: “It’s always special to win with this team - we trust each other completely, and the horses were in fantastic form today. Rome is one of the most beautiful shows on the circuit, and this win means everything for our championship fight.”It was a high-intensity showdown from start to finish. Doha Falcons played a great strategy not making a horse or rider change between rounds and impressed with consistency from Sheikh Ali Al Khalid al-Thani and Com’on Stanley alongside Bassem Mohammed with Rocket Man, securing second place on a total of 4 faults after two gritty rounds.Sheikh Ali said, “I am really happy with my team and my horse who jumped amazing today. This results is really amazing and to help the team rise a bit in the rankings so we are so happy.”Teammate Bassem explained: “We always try to stick to our plan and jump clear rounds in these team competitions. I am really happy to have my old team member back in the game and I couldn’t be more happy to have this result today standing beside him.”The Paris Panthers completed the podium with a combined total of 6 faults, led by Guido Grimaldi aboard Gentleman and Clara Pezzoli with Fantasia de Beaufour & Hadewyn van't Ravennest to secure their first-ever podium of the season.

The 9th Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (S’hail 2025) continues to establish itself as a comprehensive cultural and economic platform, attracting wide local and international participation while offering opportunities for knowledge exchange, trade, and innovation.The exhibition receives daily visits from high-ranking officials, state guests, and a number of ambassadors, who toured specialised displays in hunting, falconry, and camping.“S’hail is no longer just an exhibition specialising in hunting and falcons,” said Malika Mohamed al-Shreim, a member of the Supreme Committee and Secretary of the Exhibition.“It has become an integrated platform that embraces heritage while keeping pace with modern demands,” the official said. “Since its inception, our aim has been to evolve year after year, offering visitors and participants a rich experience that combines authenticity with innovation, reflecting Qatar’s prestigious position in hosting global events.”Al-Shreim noted that what distinguishes S’hail this year is the commitment of local and international companies to continue and expand their participation in future editions, which reflects their confidence in the exhibition’s value as an economic and cultural platform attracting both enthusiasts and professionals worldwide.Among the highlights of the exhibition are the gift and souvenir pavilions in Zone (B), which combine art, heritage, and innovation.The Amber Stone pavilion showcases rare amber creations, including models of Imam Mohammed bin Abdulwahab Mosque, falcon and horse figures, traditional dhows, and the largest sambuk boat made entirely of amber.The Doha Art for Arts and Trade pavilion presents works by visual artist Noura Tawar, along with an exclusive perfume featuring a falcon design created as a distinctive collectible.This year, the exhibition features leading global safari companies.Elite Safari, managed by Hassan al-Malki, offers integrated hunting and safari programmes in destinations across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and New Zealand, providing comprehensive services from reception and accommodation to transport, hunting trips, game meat processing, trophy shipping, and taxidermy.Other participants include Royal Wings Ltd from Budapest and Infinite Safaris Africa, which provide luxury packages with limousine pickups, stays at 5-star hotels, full hunting programmes, celebratory ceremonies, and family-friendly tourism activities.The bird market remains a major attraction for amateurs and professionals, offering a wide variety of high-quality falcons such as hur, gyr, and shaheen.The birds undergo meticulous processes – from breeding and incubation to veterinary care and training – ensuring readiness for hunting.The Tobacco Control Centre at Hamad Medical Corporation highlighted that S’hail 2025 is not merely a heritage hobby fair but also a space for community roles in promoting awareness and protecting public health.Its pavilion reflects its mission to protect society from the dangers of traditional and electronic smoking and shisha, under a creative slogan inspired by the exhibition’s theme: Hunting is an art... Tobacco is a trap: Catch it before it catches you.The centre offers services including awareness campaigns on smoking’s impact on the respiratory system and heart, as well as instant tests to measure carbon monoxide levels in the body, helping smokers realise the direct harm.It also provides comprehensive treatment programmes for those wishing to quit, with continuous medical follow-ups and counselling.

The 9th Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition – S’hail 2025 continues to shine in its ninth edition, reaffirming its position as a global platform celebrating the heritage of hunting and falconry, while offering visitors and participants a rich experience that blends authenticity with the spirit of innovation.The exhibition, running until tomorrow at Katara Cultural Village, has been drawing a large number of visitors since it opened on Wednesday.S’hail 2025 director Abdulaziz al-Sayed described the event as a comprehensive platform for showcasing the latest products in hunting rifles, camping and falconry gear, falcon farms, as well as outfitting and modifying hunting vehicles, caravans, and trailers, in addition to knives and handicrafts.“S’hail represents an exceptional opportunity to connect with a wide audience of enthusiasts and experts, build international networks, and launch pioneering projects in an environment that celebrates heritage while embracing creativity at the same time,” he said.S’hail 2025 has stood out with the diversity of its pavilions and participants, as companies unveiled their latest innovations in hunting, camping, and smart technologies – offering an exceptional experience that caters to a wide range of tastes and aspirations.Among the attractions is the pavilion of Qatar’s Golden Cabin Company, which specialises in manufacturing mobile homes and caravans.It unveiled its Smart Room technology, fully powered by solar energy, enabling caravans to run 24/7.This technology is the first of its kind and the most advanced in the Middle East, with models customisable to client needs, providing camping enthusiasts with a modern, sustainable, and fully integrated experience in the heart of nature.A selection of leading international companies in off-road vehicle outfitting has showcased the latest accessories and technological solutions designed to take desert trips and camping adventures to unprecedented levels of luxury and safety.The exhibition also featured a distinctive programme of events that attracts both visitors and participants, including auctions of rare falcons, competitions for the most beautiful burqa (falcon hood), best pavilion, and best garage, along with workshops and awareness sessions highlighting the sustainability of hunting sports and the preservation of environmental and cultural heritage.As part of national efforts to protect wildlife, the External Reserves Office of the State, affiliated with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC), is taking part at S’hail 2025 to raise awareness about the endangered houbara bustard.Four centres are producing more than 21,500 birds annually, with plans to expand production capacity through three additional centres by 2026, located both within Qatar and abroad, in countries such as Morocco, Algeria, China, Kazakhstan, and Iran.This initiative is one of the region’s most significant environmental conservation efforts, reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to maintaining ecological balance and promoting biodiversity.The exhibition has also showcased the works of 30 artists, presenting around 80 pieces ranging from fine arts to sculpture and various schools of artistic expression, turning S’hail into a vibrant platform of creativity and inspiration for visitors.In addition, live studios on-site broadcast events and interviews in real time.The programme includes a series of lectures aimed at raising awareness and spreading knowledge on hunting, falconry, and the preservation of the environment and cultural heritage.

Alfardan Premier Motors Co, the official retailer of Jaguar Land Rover in Qatar, has announced its participation at the 9th Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition – S’hail 2025, with a showcase of Land Rover’s latest upgraded 2026 Defender 90 and 110. The five-day exhibition opens today at Katara Cultural Village. S’hail is dedicated to preserving Qatar’s cultural heritage and exposes attendees to the rich legacy of hunting and falconry supported in parallel by events, awareness programmes and environmental initiatives. Alongside these activities, Alfardan Premier Motors is displaying Land Rover’s upgraded 2026 Defender 90 and 110, a statement said. As Land Rover’s most durable 4x4, the Defender is especially suitable for hunting and falconry. Its off-road capabilities and adequate space for necessary equipment make it the ideal outdoor companion. “The Defender has attracted considerable attention particularly from loyal Qatari clients of the brand, as hunting and falconry is a big part of Qatar’s culture,” said Alfardan Premier Motors general manager Nasr Jairoudi. “Through this exhibition, we want to showcase how the historical hunting and falconry experience could be made even more memorable with the powerful and convenient all-terrain vehicle, the upgraded 2026 Defender,” he said. “The vehicle’s complex characteristics and features draw a strong sense of loyalty as all our Defender editions do.” The 2026 Defender 4x4 line-up is now more distinctive and ready for adventure than ever, thanks to upgraded finishes, design and technology enhancements across 90, 110 and 130 body designs – including Defender OCTA. Upgrades across the Defender vehicle line-up include a crisp new headlight design with signature detailing and fog lights as standard, and flush rear lights with smoked lenses. A refreshed palette of contemporary exterior colours and finishes, including Woolstone Green and Borasco Grey, is complemented by enhanced detailing and upgraded materials. Inside, a larger 13.1” touchscreen provides even more intuitive control for infotainment. Technological upgrades see Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control available as an option on Defender vehicles for the first time, making it even easier to negotiate rough terrain in comfort. Optional Defender accessory packs allow clients to personalise their vehicle and include the Explorer Pack, Adventure Pack and Urban Pack. New individual accessories include black variations of the Expedition Roof Rack, Cross Bars and Front Undershield, while the rear scuff plate is now also offered in a dark finish, in addition to the existing bright finish. Established in 2017, S’hail is a globally recognised exhibition, considered the largest within the region, dedicated to preserve and promote the art of hunting and falconry. This exhibition has emerged as the international hub for hunting and falcon enthusiasts, attracting the Qatari public and prominent figures, such as government officials, VIPs, customers, as well as business people, the statement added.

Cristiano Ronaldo delivered the Club Championship Trophy for Prince Mohammed bin Salman to present to Team FalconsThe Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced the conclusion of the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC 2025) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Team Falcons claimed the Club Championship Trophy and the $7 million grand prize. The award was presented to Musaad AlDossar, CEO of Team Falcons, by Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, with international icon Cristiano Ronaldo delivering the trophy to the stage in a memorable Closing Ceremony.After seven weeks of fierce competition that came down to the final weekend of play, Team Falcons amassed 5,200 points across 22 tournaments, including victories in Overwatch 2 and top finishes in Dota 2, Chess, PUBG BATTLEGROUNDS, Rocket League and Counter-Strike 2. Team Liquid (4,200 points), Team Vitality (4,050 points), Twisted Minds (3,200 points) and Virtus.pro (3,200 points) rounded out the top five of the final Club Championship ranking.Heading into the final two weeks of competition, seven Clubs were still in contention, as only 1500 points separated 1st and 7th place. The race narrowed to five contenders after Week 6, and Team Falcons sealed the Club Championship in Week 7 when Team Liquid’s Street Fighter 6 player Alan "Nephew" Sun was eliminated, ending Team Liquid’s hopes of overtaking them.Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation said: “With the unwavering support of our leadership and the continuous guidance from Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Esports World Cup has once again showcased the transformative impact of esports and the pivotal role this industry now plays in cultures and societies across the globe. The organizational success of the tournament’s second edition reflects the Kingdom’s ability to host and manage the world’s largest events at the highest standards, while embodying the progress of the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. I extend my congratulations to Team Falcons on their outstanding achievement.”The EWC 2025 set new viewership records in its second year, recording 750 million viewers – with a peak of 7.98 million viewers during Gen.G Esports’ dominant victory in Week 2’s League of Legends tournament – and 350 million hours watched, outperforming 2024’s inaugural event across the board. The competition and festival also drew 3 million visitors to Riyadh’s Boulevard City, topping last summer’s 2.6 million. During the event period (July 4 – August 24), Riyadh also welcomed an estimated 300,000 international tourists, a 7.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024, further underscoring the city’s growing appeal as a global destination for esports, entertainment, and culture.Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “The Esports World Cup has once again raised the bar, showing that it stands among the largest sports properties in the world. 2025 wasn’t just about more games, more Clubs, or even a record $70+ million prize pool: it was about purpose. From players chasing their dreams to Clubs building sustainable futures, from publishers reaching new audiences to fans rallying on a global stage, the EWC is delivering real impact. Team Falcons embodied that spirit with consistency and fire across so many titles. After just two years, the Esports World Cup is no longer a bold idea; it’s the foundation of a global sport. And in 2026, we’ll take it even further, together.”Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation said:“The Esports World Cup 2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary, and the Club Championship finale this past weekend provided a thrilling conclusion to an unforgettable event. Congratulations to Team Falcons, whose back-to-back victories have set a new benchmark for excellence in competitive esports. Bringing together the world’s top teams in state-of-the-art arenas, the Esports World Cup continues to showcase the very best of global esports talent and innovation. Beyond the competition, we are committed to strengthening our strategic partnerships, collaborating with leading publishers, brands and creators – building groundbreaking opportunities that will shape the future of the industry. This is just the beginning. As esports continues to grow, we remain dedicated to elevating the experience for players, fans, and the wider community.”EWC 2025 featured over 2,000 players from 100 countries and 200 Clubs, competing across 25 tournaments. A total prize pool of more than $70 million — the largest prize pool in esports history – was awarded, including $27 million for the Club Championship, which was allocated across the top 24 finishers.From start to finish, the event showcased elite play and the very best of esports, as legends rose and new stars were born. Magnus Carlsen brought the intensity of world championship chess to the EWC stage, winning the inaugural event. Rasyah “Rasyah” Rasyid, just 15 years old, became the youngest MVP in EWC history, proving that greatness knows no age. Joona “serral” Sotala delivered a masterclass in dominance, cementing his status as the greatest to ever touch StarCraft II. And Manuel “ManuBachoore” Bachoore made history once again, becoming the first-ever two-time EA FC world champion, leading Team Liquid to a record-breaking three-title run.The stage came alive at EWFC 2025, where Post Malone and DINO of SEVENTEEN headlined an Opening Ceremony that marked the start of nine concerts produced with the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and MDLBEAST.EWC 2025 blurred the lines between sport, culture, and entertainment, featuring Ronaldo, Carlsen, Tony Hawk, Lando Norris, Gerard Piqué, Ronaldo Nazário, Kaká, Alisha Lehmann, Nick Kyrgios, David Harbour, Gabe Basso, Daniel Sturridge, creators like the Sidemen, and even a rare appearance by game creator Hideo Kojima.EWC Spotlight, a new global broadcast production, turned the EWC into a weekly spectacle, showcasing these global celebrities on one stage, while bringing the passion of the live crowd to audiences everywhere. In total, 7,000 hours of live content were produced, second only to the 2024 Paris Olympics, across more than 800 channels and 97 broadcast partners, reaching fans around the world in 35 languages.The Esports World Cup will return to Riyadh from July 6 - August 23, 2026 for its third edition.