By Sagar V. Mankar Yalla Esports, a leading esports company, has announced its plans to host five major Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) tournaments across Qatar and the UAE by 2026.
This move is part of Yalla Esports’ strategy to expand its presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and solidify its position as a top esports organizer.
The company’s plans include hosting two high-profile LAN tournaments as part of the YaLLa Compass, a leading global esports circuit, in 2025. These events are scheduled to take place in Qatar from April 15-20 and in the UAE from November 18-23. These tournaments will feature a combined prize pool of $1.5 million.
In 2026, Yalla Esports aims to host three events across Qatar, the UAE, and another location that has yet to be announced.
To support this expansion, Yalla Esports has committed $12.5 million to drive the growth of esports in the MENA region over the next two years. The funds will be used to enhance player and fan experiences, with a focus on creating new and innovative esports offerings.
“It’s an extraordinary time for esports in the MENA region,” said Yalla Esports CEO Klaus Kajetski. “With the expanded Yalla Compass circuit, we’re not only growing our presence but also creating new experiences that set a global standard for fan engagement, innovation, and player development.”
Kajetski further emphasized the company’s vision to make the Middle East a “vibrant hub for esports, where players and fans alike come together to celebrate the future of competitive gaming.”
Earlier this year, Yalla Esports hosted an exclusive, invite-only leadership event, gathering key industry figures to discuss partnerships and strengthen ties within the MENA esports sector. The 2025 and 2026 seasons will continue to develop these business connections, fostering impactful discussions on the role of esports in the region.
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