World’s top fighters descend on Abu Dhabi for a high-stakes esports showdown, April 18–20 at ADNEC

Abu Dhabi, UAE – [15, April 2025] – Abu Dhabi Gaming is bringing the heat to Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) 2025, hosting the Tekken 8 Nations Cup, a global esports spectacle spotlighting the best Tekken talent from around the world. Taking place from April 18–20 at ADNEC, the competition will form the main showcase for the festival’s Gaming District and feature elite matchups between Pakistan, Korea, Europe, and the Middle East.

Legends like Arslan Ash, Knee, and Raef will go head-to-head in a dramatic 3v3 team format, battling it out for pride, prestige, and the Nations Cup crown. In this winner-stays-on format, each team will face each other in a round-robin phase, with the top two teams advancing to a live Grand Final showdown on the main stage. The event will be cast live by Tekken community icons Tasty Steve and Spag, creating a world-class tournament atmosphere that puts Abu Dhabi on the global esports map. Arslan and Knee faced off at MEFCC last year in a historic one-on-one battle, and this year, they return with other global stars for a full-scale showdown featuring top players from across the world.

Marcos Muller-Habig, Director of Abu Dhabi Gaming, said: “Bringing the biggest esports names from across the globe to compete alongside regional stars is exactly what Abu Dhabi Gaming is about. Events like the Tekken Nations Cup reflect the calibre of tournament we’re building here, not just a competition, but a global platform for community, creativity, and growth. This is a milestone moment for the ecosystem we’re shaping in Abu Dhabi, and we can’t wait to welcome fans to be part of it.”

Fans will also have the chance to jump into the action themselves, with open-to-public Marvel Rivals community tournaments running throughout the weekend. Visitors can join 1v1, 2v2, or full 6v6 matches in one of the most anticipated new games of the year. Tournaments will be free to enter via onsite registration, with cash prizes awarded to top players daily.

The broader Gaming District experience is set to feature VR battles, horror houses inspired by Little Nightmares, retro arcades, racing simulators, and indie showcases, all part of an immersive multi-zone layout that caters to every type of fan. This year’s expanded layout also offers a larger esports zone, a high-energy main stage, and more free-to-play content than ever before.

To further showcase the region’s gaming creativity, visitors can explore the AD Gaming Indie Zone, where partners like Blackburne Games, Khosouf Studios, Tamatem Games, and Afterwork Games will showcase upcoming titles. International publisher NetEase Games will also feature a dedicated experience within the space, giving fans a first look at their latest content.

With more than 40,000 attendees expected, MEFCC 2025 is set to be even bigger than last year — with major stars like Andrew Garfield among the headline appearances. Abu Dhabi Gaming’s immersive Gaming District will be right at the heart of it. Throughout the weekend, fans can enjoy trivia battles, Just Dance faceoffs, and pop-up tournaments on the main stage, hosted by regional gaming personalities like xArshyy, T0ksiee, L3GEND, and Mashpotato Gamer — bringing the energy of the Gaming District directly to the crowd.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the action live, April 18–20 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi.