Gamers8, the biggest esports and gaming event worldwide, saw Team BDS crowned Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege champions in Saudi Arabia on Sunday night.
The Swiss side defeated Saudi Arabian heroes Team Falcons 3-0 in the grand finale to claim the $400,000 top award from the $2 million tournament prize pool. While it was a deserved victory for Team BDS, they were made to fight all the way by Team Falcons, who became the first side from MENA to face the rest of the world at an international LAN.
The tournament triumph for Team BDS was their first ever on the international stage, and one achieved without losing a single game in the Gamers8 event.
Elemzje, the in-game leader for Team BDS, said: “We’re extremely happy. This is our first international win as a team, so we couldn’t be happier. I’m so proud of these guys. Two years we have been playing together, and we played very well in this tournament – just how we wanted to play.”
Team BDS took their spot in the last two following a 2-0 win over Team Liquid in the playoff semi-final, while Team Falcons, who produced excellent performances throughout Gamers8, reached the final after beating WYLDE 2-1.
Elemzje was very complimentary of Team Falcons, saying he felt they were the only team that really tested them throughout the event. Elemzje said: “Team Falcons are a very good team. This is the first time they are playing international matches against other regions, and they could easily play against other regions, such as Europe, on a regular basis. They could beat a lot of teams there. It was a hard match – a good match – and congratulations to them on reaching the final.”
Elemjze was also very complimentary of Gamers8 and Saudi Arabia, saying it was “one of the best” international tournaments in which they had participated.
Team BDS sharpshooter Shaiikko, so often the nemesis of Team Falcons in the final, just as he was to other sides throughout the tournament, deservedly took home the MVP award and with it an additional prize of $100,000.
Shaiiko said: “I am very proud to be MVP. It is a good feeling, and we are all delighted to win the tournament.”
Team Falcons did not leave the four-day tournament in the popular tactical shooter game held at Boulevard Riyadh City Gamers8 empty handed, however, with oKillz claiming the Most Kills Player award and earning $25,000.
Turki Alfawzan, Chief Executive Officer at the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “What a tournament! And what a perfect example of how exhilarating esports can be, and what a wonderful setting Riyadh is for hosting global events of this magnitude. The atmosphere in the esports arena on Sunday night was both stirring and inspiring – any youngsters watching will now be even more determined to achieve their goals and one day perform on the biggest stages of international esports.”
How the tournament unfolded
In Group A, the upper bracket semi-finals saw WYLDE qualify for the final after defeating Team Liquid 2-0. In the upper bracket final, WYLDE beat Spacestation – who had qualified for the final courtesy of a 2-1 win over DAMWON GAMING – with a 2-1 triumph.
In the Group A lower bracket semi-finals, Team Liquid beat DAMWON GAMING 2-1. That victory was then improved upon with a win over Spacestation 2-0 in the final.
In Group B, the upper bracket saw TSM beat MIBR 2-0 in the semi-final to set up a final clash with Team BDS – who had defeated Team Falcons 2-0 in the other last four clash. It was Team BDS who came out on top in the upper bracket final, however, seeing off TSM 2-0.
In the Group B lower bracket semi-finals, Team Falcons beat MIBR 2-0, then claimed the scalp of TSM 2-1 in the final.
The teams then proceeded to the playoff semi-finals and final, which concluded with Team BDS coming out on top.
Prize pool distribution:
1st $400,000 Team BDS
2nd $250,000 Team Falcons
3rd $155,000 WYLDE
4th $155,000 Team Liquid
Gamers 8 recap
Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege was 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, dance, music and 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.
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