StarCraft II semifinal lineup takes shape at Esports World Cup

StarCraft II, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and EA Sports FC 24 took center-stage at Esports World Cup on Friday in Riyadh (Supplied)
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Updated 17 August 2024
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StarCraft II semifinal lineup takes shape at Esports World Cup

  • Teams and players competed in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and EA Sports FC 24 in Riyadh on Friday

RIYADH: Saturday is set for more elimination action at the Esports World Cup as players and teams move closer to the grand finals across three tournaments on Sunday.

On Friday at Boulevard Riyadh City, the first StarCraft II semifinalists were confirmed. After a series of winning performances since the 16-player competition progressed to the last four, Talon Esports’ “Dark” and Team Liquid’s “Clem” are just two wins away from claiming the $400,000 first prize. The quest continues on Sunday in the best-of-five semifinals, with their opponents still to be determined.

Another tournament edging closer to its conclusion is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. Audiences at the SEF Arena on Friday saw OpTic Gaming, Vancouver Surge, Toronto Ultra and Atlanta FaZe win their respective groups to reach the quarter-finals, where the second-best teams from Groups A-D await.

Elsewhere on Friday, the other tournament that attracted the most attention was EA Sports FC 24. Luna Galaxy’s “jafonso” and Cloud9’s “nicolas99fc” progressed to the next stage as winners of Groups A and B respectively — solidifying themselves among the favorites to win the 16-player, $1 million competition.


Danube Group launches UAE’s first cricket-focused digital media platform

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Danube Group launches UAE’s first cricket-focused digital media platform

  • Move marks a new front for one of the UAE’s most diversified conglomerates
  • Anis Sajan: Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group is not just a business expansion it is the culmination of my lifelong passion for cricket

DUBAI: Danube Group has entered the digital sports media sector with the launch of Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group, the country’s first cricket-focused digital media platform, under the leadership of its vice chairman, Anis Sajan.

The move marks a new front for one of the UAE’s most diversified conglomerates, expanding its footprint beyond real estate, retail, building materials and hospitality into the fast-growing digital sports media landscape. The platform reflects Danube Group’s strategy of diversification and its focus on consumer-driven, high-growth sectors.

The launch event in Dubai was attended by several international cricket stars, including Dinesh Karthik, Eoin Morgan, JP Duminy, Fakhar Zaman, Angelo Mathews, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Khurram Khan, alongside figures from across the regional sports community.

Speaking at the launch, Sajan said: “Today, Danube Group takes a major leap into a brand-new segment. Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group is not just a business expansion it is the culmination of my lifelong passion for cricket. As the UAE becomes a global hub for the sport, this platform will bring world-class cricket content, storytelling, and exclusive access to fans worldwide.”

Headquartered in Dubai, Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group becomes the first digital media house in the UAE dedicated exclusively to cricket. The platform will initially focus on cricket content, drawing on the UAE’s strong connection to the sport and Sajan’s global network, before expanding into coverage of other major sports as part of a long-term plan to evolve into a multi-sport digital platform.

The platform will offer a wide range of content, including live and real-time cricket coverage, exclusive interviews with international players, premium digital video productions, studio shows, social-first short-form content, documentary-style storytelling rooted in cricket culture, and behind-the-scenes access across global leagues.

The launch comes as the UAE continues to strengthen its position in the global cricket landscape, having hosted major tournaments such as the T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, ILT20, T10 competitions and numerous international fixtures.

“The UAE has truly become a home away from home for people of many nationalities like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, united by their love of cricket, alongside expatriates from England, Australia, South Africa, and beyond who are also cricket lovers,” Sajan added. “Hence, launching a world-class sports media platform here is a step toward cementing the nation’s role not just in hosting the sport, but in shaping how it is consumed by these audiences.”

Danube Group said the move aligns with its long-term vision of innovation, diversification and community engagement, with digital sports media forming a new vertical that combines technology, entertainment and culture.

Sajan underlined the personal significance of the project, saying: “Cricket has always been a passion for me for the last 45 years, will continue to be my passion, and will never be treated as a business.”