Global Esports Games get underway in Riyadh
THE Riyadh 2023 Global Esports Games kicked off on Tuesday evening at the prestigious SEF Arena in Riyadh, marking the beginning of a five-day esports extravaganza that will run until Saturday.
The Global Esports Federation’s flagship esports event, hosted by the Saudi Esports Federation, #GEG23 is the third edition of this annual global event, following the resounding success of Singapore 2021 and Istanbul 2022.
With over 950 athletes from over 100 nations and territories registered for the qualifiers, 240 athletes from 56 nations and territories are competing in the World Finals in Riyadh this week.
Of the 56 countries being represented, eight are from Africa, 12 from the Americas and 18 from Asia.
Europe also has 17 representatives while Oceania’s hopes rest with Australia and New Zealand.
The Global Esports Games has firmly established itself as a cornerstone in the ever-expanding world of esports.
The tournament showcases the prowess of gamers in four leading esports titles — Dota 2 (Valve), eFootball, 2024 (KONAMI), PUBG MOBILE (KRAFTON & Level Infinite), and Street Fighter 6 (Capcom).
Chris Chan, president of GEF, set the tone for the event during the opening ceremony stating:
“Today is a historic day for esports and sports, and our #worldconnected community. It signals the coming together of people from every continent on earth, bridging tradition and innovation, while looking ahead to the dynamic opportunities for a brighter future.”
HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, SEF Chairman, echoed the sentiment, “This flagship event is one of the upmost significance, as well as a truly global spectacle that enables us to captivate people while further uniting the #worldconnected esports community.
“In the days ahead, the Games will showcase nothing short of an extraordinary display of excellence, proving that passion and skill are the ultimate currencies for driving advancement, bridging cultures, and inspiring greatness.”
The #GEG23 commenced with the 11th
GEF board meeting, where HRH Prince Faisal was welcomed as an honorary member of the GEF board.
Following, the fourth GEF General Assembly saw the election of Chris Chan to a second term as president of the Global Esports Federation.
A round of candidates, approved by GEF’s executive committee, were elected by the full General Assembly to the GEF Board, adding expertise and valuable global perspectives.
The GEF community was updated on the successes of the inaugural European Games Esports Championships (#EGE23) in Katowice and the Pan American Esports Championships (#PEC23) that concluded in Santiago, Chile recently.
GEFcon featured engaging discussions on innovation, technology, inclusivity, and global impact, with prominent figures from various fields sharing insights.
Topics ranged from esports innovation and technology to active inclusivity and the global impact of esports.
In addition to the thrilling competition and thought-provoking discussions, #GEG23 offers spectators the GEFestival experience.
Attendees can enjoy Saudi hospitality in an alfresco area with live music, live cooking demonstrations, camel and falcon photo opportunities, and a traditional costume section immersing visitors in the rich heritage and culture of Saudi Arabia.
An Arabic calligraphy station, providing attendees a personalized masterpiece, capturing the essence of Saudi culture — Globalesports.org
ZIMBABWE senior women soccer team goalkeeper Chido Dzingirai was the biggest winner at the Correctional Queens annual awards ceremony held at Harare Central Prisons yesterday.
Dzingirai was crowned the Player of the year and Chairpersons’ award after a good season where her team finished fourth in the National Women Football League this season. The awards, which were sponsored by CBZ through their Red Sphere subsidiary, saw several players walking home with cash, floating trophies and medals.
Correctional Queens has former Mighty Warriors chairperson Mavis Gumbo as their patron and she helped in organising the inaugural event. Dzingirai, who walked away with two floating trophies, US$500 richer, a medal and two perfume hampers, was happy for her achievements saying it will push her to work harder next season.
“I am happy for these two awards and I owe them to team work and the support I am getting from the executive. I am looking forward to the upcoming season where we look forward to do better. We have been competitive considering the points difference between us and the winners.
“The team has unit which helped us to do well,” said Dzingirai. Long serving member of the team and force Estoria Sinoa was also honoured as was right back Daisy Shamu who was voted the most disciplined player.
Shamu said she was happy with the award and is looking to improve her performance next year.
“I am happy that I was voted the most disciplined player and playing as a defender and not getting a yellow card throughout the season is an achievement. The good
FORMER Highlanders utility player Bruce Kangwa has not ruled out the possibility of rejoining Bosso amid revelations that the star’s signature is also being considered by Dynamos and Chicken Inn among other clubs.
Kangwa was released by Tanzanian club Azam earlier this year after seven years of service. thing is I was instilled with discipline through my job in the force and I always keep that in mind.
“I am looking forward to a better season next year. The award is good but I give credit to my teammates and the executive who voted me as if it was not them I would not have won,” said Shamu.
Philanthropist and businesswomen Abigail Makono was the guest of honour at the ceremony and gave the winners some perfume hampers.
Mukono, who is into real estate, women and girl child empowerment as well as catering services was handed over a Correctional Queens replica jersey as a souvenir.
Mukono said she was humbled to be the guest of honour at such an event that support the girl child.
“It is with immense pleasure and pride that I am part of this momentous occasion celebrating women footballers who did well at Correctional Queens.
“The landscape of Zimbabwe sports has been irrevocably altered by talent, dedication and sheer willpower of our women footballers. We have witnessed a dawn of a new era at ZPSC where young girls no longer have to dream sorely of playing with their brothers in the streets.
“We are happy that we have acknowledged the players’ achievements and we must continue to advocate for equal access to training and exposure,’ said Mukono.
Winners
Player of The Year: Chido Dzingirai Chairpersons’ Award: Chiodo Dzingirai
Top goal scorer of the year: Marjury Nyaumwe Most promising Player: Nadia Semba
Most disciplined Player: Daisy Shamu
Most loyal Player: Florence Simeon
Longest serving players Esteria Sinoa
“For now since it’s off season I must weigh options. I can go to Dynamos or Chicken Inn. I’m not in a hurry to make a decision. For the right price, I will bounce back” said the former Zimbabwe international. During his stay in Tanzania, Kangwa won all the other silverware except the championship while he featured in both the African Champions League and Caf Confederation Cup.