Electronic Arts has confirmed the return of the EA SPORTS FC Ramadan Tournament across the Middle East and North Africa, continuing a regional competitive format tied to the Holy Month of Ramadan. The tournament, built around the EA SPORTS FC franchise, is positioned as a community-focused esports initiative rather than a large-scale professional circuit, with an emphasis on accessibility, regional participation, and shared viewing.
This year’s edition again runs two parallel knockout competitions. One bracket will be played on PlayStation 5 using EA SPORTS FC 26, while the second will be held on EA SPORTS FC Mobile. Across both formats, 16 players will ultimately qualify for a live finals event, maintaining a relatively compact structure designed to prioritize quality of play over volume of entrants.
Eligibility varies by platform. The PlayStation 5 competition is open to players across the Gulf Cooperation Council, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The mobile competition expands the footprint considerably, bringing in participants from a wider set of markets such as Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and the Palestinian territories. This split reflects differences in console penetration across the region, with mobile gaming continuing to serve as a key entry point for competitive play in many MENA markets.
The finals event is scheduled to be livestreamed on March 6, aligning with Ramadan evening viewing habits. Registration for the tournament opened on February 2, accompanied by a broader digital campaign intended to drive awareness and participation. While EA frames the initiative as a celebration of sportsmanship and community, the structure closely mirrors established grassroots esports formats that have proven effective in sustaining engagement without the overhead of major league operations.
Prizing focuses on experiential rewards rather than cash payouts. First-place winners will receive a football-themed travel experience, including flights for themselves and a guest, with access to matchday and VIP-related activities in Madrid as well as experiences connected to the ROSHN Saudi League. First- and second-place competitors will also receive travel and accommodation packages, reinforcing the tournament’s positioning as a lifestyle-oriented competition rather than a professional pathway.
From a broader perspective, the Ramadan Tournament reflects EA SPORTS FC’s ongoing effort to localize its competitive initiatives and maintain relevance in regions where football culture is deeply embedded. By aligning the tournament with Ramadan and tailoring access by platform, EA continues to test how seasonal moments and regional identity can be integrated into its esports strategy without overextending the format.
