Riyadh All Set To Host The Region’s Largest League Of Legends Gaming Festival

With just 1 day to go, Riyadh is preparing to welcome the best gamers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for the Nexus Festival.

The Nexus will be the first official League of Legends tournament taking place in the region and Riot Games is aiming to shape the gaming landscape in MENA through the festival.

Taking place between December 5 to 7, the three-day festival is an initiative by the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA), giving hardcore gamers and non-gamers a vibrant immersive experience with a theme park and 23 different activities and mini games.

During the three days, the players will battle for glory across six competitions and try to grab a slice of the USD $2 million prize money in front of more than 30,000 people.

The 8 teams have booked their place in the showpiece event after competing against more than 750 teams in the qualifying rounds that were held in 13 countries across the region over a period of six weeks.

Each region saw their top two teams qualify with power houses such as Saudi’s EGZ and Oshtek Warriors, Levant’s Nasr eSports and Qlash, North Africa’s Devine Vendetta and Eagle Esports Tunisia and the GCC’s Hex and Shot 2 Kill. The final playoffs will be fierce and guarantees a showdown between some of the best players of the region, with known names such as Korean Kid, Cipher, Gaaloul, Azra and internationally renowned coaches like Yamato Cannon, Kanini and more.

Among the event’s flagship competitions is the ‘five versus five’ summoners rift while a special ‘influencer tournament’ will see the region’s top eight influencers team up with micro-influencers. The schedule also includes the ‘one versus one’ battle, Team Fight Tactics, auto battler within the League of Legends universe and the Cosplay competition.

The festival will also see Jason Derulo take to the stage for a special concert while a series of activities and entertainment has been lined up for people of all ages.

Onur Tamer, METAI General Manager at Riot Games, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of people for the first Riot Games tournament in region. The gaming industry has rapidly increased in the MENA especially in Saudi Arabia and we are delighted to be hosting the first Nexus festival here in Riyadh.

“We have been thoroughly impressed with what we have seen during the qualifying stages and this will provide a series of enthralling contests at The Nexus festival. With the best gamers testing themselves against the very best to be crowned champion in six competitions, it promises to be a thrilling three days of action.

“Whether you’re an avid gaming fan or not, you will not be short of options for entertainment with plenty of activities lined up during the day in what will be an unmissable event.”

Tickets are available for the festival which is a mix of quality gaming experiences, music and attractions.