- Saudi Arabia’s Team Falcons will become the first team from MENA to face the rest of the world at an international LAN
- Team Liquid, TSM and BDS are among the favorites to be crowned champions
- Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is the fourth tournament in the Gamers8 season, following the phenomenal success of Rocket League, the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters and Fortnite
RIYADH-: Gamers8, the biggest esports and gaming event worldwide, welcomes Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege to Saudi Arabia this weekend, as the best players and teams in the world battle it out over an incredible $2 million prize pool.
The four-day tournament in the hugely popular online tactical shooter video game commences on Thursday, August 3 at a purpose-built arena at Boulevard Riyadh City, with the winners of Sunday’s grand finale taking home an impressive $400,000.
Turki Alfawzan, Chief Executive Officer at the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “There is a big reason that Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege remains one of the most popular multiplayer games available, and we look forward immensely to a fascinating, elite weekend of gaming in Riyadh.
“Be it within the Kingdom or beyond, the game’s ever-expanding player base keeps growing as fans relish the colorful cast of operators, intricate and intense gameplay, dynamic maps, and tactical approach to shooters. A game with a huge amount of personality, there truly is something for every kind of gamer to be found in Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege. Let battle commence at Gamers8.”
Meet the teams
For the first time ever, a team from MENA will face the rest of the world at an international LAN – with Saudi Arabia’s Team Falcons getting their opportunity to shine on the big stage. The homegrown heroes are one of eight teams taking part in the competition. In the Group A upper bracket semi-finals, Team Liquid face WYLDE, while DAMWON Gaming come up against Spacestation Gaming. In the Group B upper bracket semi-finals, TSM face MIBR, while it’s Team BDS who challenge Team Falcons.
Ones to watch
Expect big things from American national Beaulo, who currently stars for TSM. But also keep your eyes peeled for Brazilian hotshots Paluh and nesk, from Team Liquid, who could certainly fire their side to Gamers8 glory. French favorite Shaiiko, meanwhile, an entry fragger for Team BDS, is always worth watching.
Tournament format
- Group Stage, August 4 and 5: Double-Elimination bracket. All matches Bo3. Top 2 teams from each group advance to the Playoffs.
- Playoffs, August 6 and 7: Single-Elimination bracket. All matches are TBD. Sunday night’s Grand Final Bo5.
Prize pool distribution
| # | Prize |
| 1 | $400,000 |
| 2 | $250,000 |
| 3 | $180,000 |
| 4 | $130,000 |
| 5 – 6 | $80,000 |
| 7 – 8 | $40,000 |
Gamers 8 recap
Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is the fourth tournament in the Gamers8 season being held at the purpose-built venue at Boulevard Riyadh City. The event follows the phenomenal success of Rocket League, the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters and Fortnite. A staggering $15 million overall Gamers8 prize pool is on offer. Gamers8 tournaments are broadcast live on the event channels in more than eight different languages.
In addition, big-name international artists, each of whom is guaranteed to captivate music lovers, are appearing at Gamers8 concerts alongside numerous local and regional talents each weekend throughout the event. Over 1,000 activities and attractions, such as comedy, cosplay, magic shows, and much more, are also on the Gamers8 entertainment agenda, which runs until September 8. Further details, including ticket sales, are available on the event website.