RIYADH: Vampire Esports soared to consecutive PUBG Mobile World Invitational wins at Gamers8 in Riyadh on Sunday, as the team from Thailand said last year’s victory had “changed their lives.”
The side proved decisive victors after earning 227 points — almost double that of second-placed side Six Two Eight, from China, who claimed 138 points — and deservedly took home the $500,000 top award from the total $3 million prize pool. It added to the $500,000 Vampire Esports won last summer.
The six-day intense battle royale competition this year, organized by the Saudi Esports Federation and PUBG MOBILE, saw the PMWI tournament exclusively played on the HONOR Magic5 Pro.
HONOR are the main and official smartphone partners for the eight-week long Gamers8: The Land of Heroes, the biggest gaming and esports festival worldwide, which runs until the end of August at Boulevard Riyadh City.
And the successful six of SchwepXz, who earned a $10,000 prize for 18 total rescues, and Fluketh, nOOzy, Rvenclaw, Stoned and TonyK, who also took a $10,000 prize for 53 total eliminations, certainly mastered the device for Vampire Esports.
Rvenclaw, the Vampire Esports Leader, said: “We’re so glad to successfully defend our championship in Saudi Arabia. We’re so pleased. Winning at Gamers8 in Riyadh last year was the greatest achievement of our lives. It changed our lives. It gave us confidence to compete at the biggest tournaments and confidence to come back here and win.”
Vampire Esports came into the final day of the tournament 60 points clear of second place, but the team insisted they never felt they could relax at any stage. The Thai team sharpened their teeth, bit down on the competition, and increased their lead even further to leave the rest dead and buried.
“Every day we wanted to get as far from the second placed team as possible,” Rvenclaw added. “We were fully focused, and we knew that we could do it. Thank you to everyone for their support and thank you Gamers8 and Saudi Arabia. We hope to see you all again next year.”
