Sohar International Brings Football Fever to Mall of Oman with E-Football Elite

Muscat, 06 July 2026: Sohar International concludes its first-ever Sohar International E-Football Elite, a large-scale esports tournament organized in collaboration with the Omani Gaming and Esports Committee. Held at Mall of Oman from 25 June to 2 July 2026, the tournament brought together more than 500+ players from across the Sultanate in one of Oman’s largest e-football competitions, creating a high-energy public experience that combined competitive gaming, football culture, youth engagement, and family-friendly entertainment.

Saif Said Al Rashdi, AGM & Head of branches at Sohar International, said, “Football has always held a powerful place in society, but the way people experience the game is changing. For many young people today, it is no longer limited to the pitch or the screen; it has become interactive, digital, and community-led. Esports sits at the intersection of sport, technology, entertainment, and youth culture, and its growth in Oman reflects how new forms of talent are emerging. At Sohar International, we believe meaningful engagement starts with understanding what matters to people now. E-Football Elite is part of that commitment. It allows us to connect with various gaming communities, encourage constructive digital participation, and create a platform that brings people together around something they genuinely enjoy.”

The tournament followed a single-elimination knockout format, with players taking part daily between 4:00 PM and 10:00 PM until the final matches on 2 July 2026. Participants competed for a total prize pool of OMR 5,000, with OMR 3,000 awarded to the champion, OMR 1,500 to the runner-up, and OMR 500 to the third-place winner. Designed to mirror the intensity and anticipation of major football tournaments, Sohar International E-Football Elite gave players a focused platform to test and showcase their skills.

Beyond the tournament matches, the event featured a dedicated entertainment and engagement zone designed to extend the experience to visitors of all ages. The zone brought together interactive gaming experiences, exciting competitions and challenges, audience engagement activities, daily giveaways, and prizes, creating a family-friendly environment throughout the tournament period. This wider activation gave families, fans, and gaming enthusiasts the opportunity to support players, enjoy the event, and take part in the atmosphere beyond the main gaming arena.

The championship also contributed to the growing momentum of esports in the Sultanate. As gaming evolves from a recreational activity into a more structured ecosystem, initiatives such as the Sohar International E-Football Elite play an important role in giving local players greater visibility, encouraging participation, and strengthening Oman’s gaming landscape. For Sohar International, the tournament reflects a broader approach to engagement, one that recognizes the importance of meeting younger audiences through platforms that are relevant to the way they connect today.

Through E-Football Elite, Sohar International continues to expand beyond traditional banking, creating innovative platforms that resonate with the next generation. The tournament underscores the Bank’s commitment to championing digital innovation, nurturing local talent, and supporting the continued growth of Oman’s gaming and esports community.

End

About Sohar International:

Sohar International is Oman’s fastest-growing bank, guided by a clear vision to become a world-leading Omani service company that helps customers, communities, and people prosper and grow. With a purpose to help people ‘win’ by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, the bank offers innovative solutions across Commercial and Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Islamic Banking, and more. Operating with a strong digital-first approach and an expanding regional footprint—including presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—Sohar International is committed to driving value through strategic partnerships and a dynamic customer experience. Learn more at www.SIB.om