MUSCAT: Saleh al Ghassani was crowned champion of the EA SPORTS FC 26 competition at the Top Esports Tournament after overcoming Faher al Kindi 8-6 on aggregate in a thrilling two-legged final.
Al Kindi finished runner-up, while Louay al Saadi secured third place in the two-day tournament, which concluded at CineSport in Al Muzn Mall.
The competition brought together 16 of Oman’s leading esports players and was contested in Ultimate Team mode, allowing each participant to build and develop their own squad.
Hisham bin Juma al Sinani, Director-General of Sports Care and Development at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, attended the closing ceremony and presented the trophies to the top three players. Sponsors and supporting organisations were also honoured.
The tournament featured intense competition, tactical planning and high levels of concentration as the players sought to progress through the early rounds and reach the decisive stages.
Al Ghassani made a commanding start to the final by establishing a substantial advantage in the first leg. Al Kindi responded strongly in the return match and reduced the deficit, but Al Ghassani regained his composure to complete an 8-6 aggregate victory and claim the title.
The participating players were Fahad al Hasani, Muadh al Mughizawi, Saleh al Ghassani, Abdullah al Dhabari, Ammar al Raisi, Waleed al Marzouqi, Louay al Saadi, Anmar al Ghabashi, Faher al Kindi, Omar al Fawri, Hudhaifa al Amri, Rami Zakaria, Omar al Amri, Ahmed al Hudaifi, Firas al Aghbari and Mohammed Mamdouh.
Hamed al Jahwari, Secretary-General of the Omani Gaming and Esports Committee, said the participants were selected on the strength of their achievements in domestic and international competitions.
“Several of the players have represented the national team and achieved positive results internationally. Ultimate Team allows them to explore different tactical options, build their own squads and find new ways to overcome their opponents,” he said.
Al Jahwari added that the competition came at an important time ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Saudi Arabia and provided young players with an opportunity to learn from experienced competitors.
Al Ghassani said the title rewarded the effort he had invested in preparing for the tournament.
“The competition was strong because the 16 participants are among the best players in Oman. Winning the title gives me additional motivation to remain prepared for future international events and to represent the national team,” he said.
The tournament was organised by the Omani Gaming and Esports Committee. Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry served as the official sponsor, with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth and Oman LNG as strategic sponsors.
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