The Qatar Stars League (QSL), in co-operation with Qatar Esports Federation (QESF), announced the launch of Electronic Qatar Stars League (E-QSL), featuring 12 teams and will be held from March 21 to 23, 2024, at a Press conference held on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at its Headquarters in Al Bidda Tower, in the presence of Mr. Hassan Rabiah Al Kuwari, Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Communication at QSL, and Mr. Ahmad Al Meghessib, Tournament Manager.

At the conference, details of the tournament, to be held at the Virtuocity Hall in Doha Festival City mall, were announced. Logo was unveiled and the draw was conducted.

The initiative aims to open new horizons for QSL and club companies to enter the field of e-sports and keep pace with the tremendous development of this game in addition to support the Qatar e-sports team, expand the base of participation in society and refine and develop talent in this sport, which is of interest to a large segment of fans, especially the youth.

The competitions of this tournament will be electronic through the famous game (FC 24), developed by EA Sports, where the 12 teams and players will compete to win the title to qualify and play in the qualifiers for the Esports World Cup, to be held in London in August, 2024.

Competing teams

The 2023-2024 season Expo Stars League teams will compete in the tournament’s first edition. They are Al Ahli, Al Arabi, Al Wakrah, Qatar SC, Al Rayyan, Al Sadd, Al Gharafa, Umm Salal, Al Shamal, Al Markhiya, Muaither and Al Duhail.

Tournament format

The participating teams are divided into two groups by draw of lots, with each group having six teams.

- Game format (one x one).

- Four teams from each group will qualify for the quarterfinals, which will be followed by semifinals and final.

Tournament draw

The draw of lots resulted in:

Group A – Al Shamal, Al Duhail, Muaither, Al Gharafa, Qatar SC, Al Sadd.

Group B – Al Wakrah, Al Rayyan, Al Ahli, Al Markhiya, Al Arabi, Umm Salal.

It may be noted that the matches will be broadcast live on QSL’s social media platforms and will also receive media coverage highlighting the league’s clubs, players, matches, best moments and celebrations.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Al Kuwari said, “We’re pleased to announce  today the launch of Electronic Qatar Stars League, which allows QSL and club companies to enter the world of e-sports with the aim of spreading and expanding the base of participation among sections of fans and discovering new players. Club companies can support the Qatar e-sports team in qualification for official participation, and we look forward towards achieving all our goals and aspirations for this project. We also thank the partners and all our stakeholders and wish everyone success in the tournament’s inaugural edition.”

On his part, Mr. Al Meghessib said, “The importance of launching Electronic Qatar Stars League comes in view of the great development in the field of electronic sports in the region. It is also considered as one of the most important aspects of agreement with QESF as the league aims to raise the level of competition between players and raise awareness among clubs about e-sports. The big goals include developing players to the level of representing the Qatar e-sports team in various international competitions.”