Jordanian FIFA enthusiast Saif Haddadine triumphed as the Middle East’s greatest FIFA 17 player, winning the ultimate gaming title “MENA Regional Fanta Gaming Master 2016”. Competing against 32 of the best gamers from across the region, Haddadin beat Pakistan’s Uzayr Marria 6-5 in a penalty shoot-out, making this Fanta’s most engrossing finale to date.
The eSports tournament attracted gamers from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Jordan, who competed for a grand prize of 100,000 Saudi Riyals and a spot in the FIFA Global Ultimate Team Championship Series. Held across two days, the final day of matches was livestreamed on the official Fanta Gaming Masters YouTube and Twitter channels, allowing gamers all over the world to be part of the excitement.
The championship was hosted in partnership with PlayStation, EA Sports and Power League Gaming (PLG), and is one of several tournament qualifiers taking place globally for The Road to London – FIFA Interactive World Cup Grand Final. “Fanta Gaming Masters is no longer just a gaming event, but a community that lets professional gamers compete at an international level.” Commented Tolga Cebe, Marketing Director at Coca-Cola Middle East. “We’re proud of the talent seen in the region this year, and Fanta is very excited to follow the new master’s journey during the upcoming FIFA Ultimate Team Championship.”
Speaking about the experience, this year’s champion, Saif Haddadine, said, “It’s a great feeling to win Fanta Gaming Master’s 2016, especially after coming second last year. This title symbolizes a lot of determination and hard work. If they have the opportunity, I’d encourage any player to play the game they love in a professional environment. Being in London in February to compete at the FIFA Ultimate Team tournament will be a special experience for me.”
Saif will also head to the Ultimate Team Championship Regional Final in Sydney during February 2017 to compete for another 50,000 USD prize as part of Season 1. The winners will then progress to the Ultimate Team Championship Finals held globally, before the FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC) Grand Final in London. The eventual winner will take home a 300,000 USD prize, and earn a trip for them and a guest to FIFA’s annual football award ceremony.
