Dubai to stage Middle East’s first Interschool Esports tournament

Meydan One and Galaxy Racer Esports on Monday announced the launch of Dubai’s first-ever Interschool Esports Tournament featuring FIFA ‘20 at Meydan Grandstand.

To run from Dec.12 to 13 as part of the previously announced 2019 GIRLGAMER ESPORTS FESTIVAL, the tournament will comprise two competitions played out over six-minute games of FIFA 20 – one for juniors aged six to 11, and one for seniors aged 12 to 16.

The prizes will include scholarships worth Dhs255,000. The winner of the senior tournament will claim Dhs100,000, while the winner of the junior tournament walks away with Dhs70,000. Runners-up participants will receive Dhs50,000 and Dhs35,000 respectively.

Schools can sign up a maximum of two students for each competition, who will then battle it out in a knock-out tournament over the two days.

Speaking on the announcement, Khalid Al Awar, Director of Sports Events Department at Dubai Sports Council, said: “Dubai has emerged as one of the major incubators of innovation and future technology in the world thanks to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“Implementing future technology has been one Dubai government’s strategic objectives and we at Dubai Sports Council, under the leadership of our Chairman Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, align our goals with the strategic objectives of the government.

“Hence, the esports movement is an area that we are seeking to pioneer and develop. It was a demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian Games and has really taken off in recent times. Given it’s pace of growth, esports will be a part of the Olympic Games sooner than later.

“So we are happy to support this first ever Interschool Esports Tournament, which reinforces Dubai’s reputation for being at the cutting edge of hosting sporting events and forging history.”