Naif Al Faleh Clinches FIA MENA Esports Championship Title in Thrilling Amman Finale

Saudi Arabia’s Naif Al Faleh has claimed the inaugural FIA MENA Esports Championship title under the series’ newly adopted format, sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The triumph followed an action-packed finale in the Jordanian capital, Amman, that concluded months of high-intensity qualifying rounds featuring hundreds of sim racers from across the Middle East and North Africa.

This year marks a pivotal milestone in the championship’s evolution, reinforcing its regional presence after five years of continuous growth since its launch. More than 700 competitors - citizens and residents from 20 countries - took part in the qualifiers, advancing through national and regional rounds before the field narrowed to 24 finalists.

The finals were hosted at The ARC Esports Arena at the King Hussein Business Park by the Jordan Esports Federation and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, and organized by Desert Fox Racing in collaboration with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing and Jordan Motorsport. The event brought together an electrifying mix of seasoned champions and rising talents in the virtual racing scene. Among the finalists were Lebanon’s Sami-Joe Abi Nakhle, Oman’s Mohammed Al Barwani, Iraq’s Mohammed Hadi - the 2024 winner - and Saudi Arabia’s Wesam Khalil, alongside other talented newcomers who showcased impressive skill throughout the competition.

Entering the final race as a leading contender - after narrowly missing the title in the past two seasons - Naif Al Faleh immediately demonstrated his readiness by securing pole position with the fastest qualifying lap. On Italy’s iconic Autodromo Nazionale Monza, he maintained a controlled, flawless pace from start to finish, leaving no room for error. Saudi Arabia’s Wesam Khalil held on to second place, while Lebanon’s Sami-Joe Abi Nakhle delivered a standout performance, charging from seventh on the grid to claim the final podium spot.

Reflecting on his victory, Naif Al Faleh said, “I’m extremely happy with this win, which I’ve been chasing for three years. It feels even more special as this is the first edition held under the FIA banner. The competition was fierce, and I knew that even the smallest mistake could cost me the title, as it had in previous seasons.”

With this achievement, Naif Al Faleh becomes the first titleholder of the FIA MENA Esports Championship in its new, officially sanctioned format. Today, the championship enters a more firmly rooted phase within the region’s esports racing landscape, continuing to build a strong and growing presence since its launch in 2021.