The FIA is shifting gears in the world of digital motorsport with the launch of the first fully FIA-sanctioned esports championship, set to take place in Amman, Jordan, from 13–15 November 2025. The FIA MENA Esports Championship marks a historic step for sim racing, being the first event run entirely under the FIA’s International Sporting Code and Appendix E (Esports).
The FIA MENA Esports Championship, taking place from 13–15 November, is set to make history as the first Esports event to be fully sanctioned by the FIA under the International Sporting Code and Appendix E (Esports), as approved by the FIA World Motor Sport Council in December… pic.twitter.com/x2g2ziF7C2
— FIA (@fia) November 3, 2025
A Milestone for Virtual Motorsport
This championship is the culmination of several years of groundwork following the FIA’s decision in December 2024 to include esports in its official regulatory framework. For the first time, the international motorsport governing body will appoint a race director, two international stewards, and a sporting coordinator to oversee the event, ensuring that virtual racing receives the same level of professionalism and fairness as its real-world counterpart.
The move demonstrates the FIA’s commitment to expanding its reach into the fast-growing sim racing scene, setting a precedent for how esports competitions can be governed under global motorsport standards.
From Regional Success to Global Recognition
Originally launched in 2021 as the MENA Esports Cup and co-funded by the FIA Sport Grant Programme, the event quickly became one of the Middle East’s biggest virtual racing showcases. Over the years, it has attracted more than 1,200 competitors and drawn an audience of over half a million live viewers in 2024 alone.
The 2025 edition elevates that legacy, transforming the regional cup into a full-fledged FIA championship. National qualifiers across 20 countries have already narrowed the field to 40 drivers, with only 24 making it to the main stage in Amman.
The Championship Format
Competitors will battle it out on Gran Turismo 7, the official game platform for the championship. Two semi-final rounds will trim the field from 24 to 12, leading up to a decisive final where one racer will be crowned the first ever FIA-sanctioned MENA Esports Champion.
The action won’t just stay in Jordan, the event will be recorded and streamed globally on 28 November, with the winner earning an invitation to the FIA Awards in Uzbekistan this December.
Last year’s MENA Esports Cup champion, Mohamed Hadi, set a high bar for competitors heading into this new era.
Driving the Future of Esports Racing
“This is an excellent example of ASN development and growth, and reinforces the FIA’s steadfast commitment to doubling international motor sport participation by focusing closely on grassroots disciplines,” said Niroshan Pereira, President of the FIA Esports Commission. “It is the result of many years of hard work and a pioneering vision, for which we congratulate everybody who has played a part.”
Zaid Balqez, CEO of Jordan Motorsport, echoed that excitement, calling the event a historic milestone for the region. “It marks our ongoing commitment to advancing motorsport in all its forms. This championship highlights our dedication to grassroots development, inclusion, and diversity, creating new opportunities for young talents to engage with the sport.”
FIA’s Growing Esports Vision
The FIA’s involvement in sim racing has expanded significantly throughout 2025. The organisation recently conducted a global esports survey to gather feedback on future initiatives, while also introducing esports elements into the 2025 FIA Karting World Championship, bridging the gap between virtual and real-world racing careers.
With the MENA Esports Championship 2025 paving the way, the FIA has firmly positioned sim racing as a legitimate motorsport discipline, one capable of fostering new generations of racers both online and off-track.