When, back in December 2024, the FIA announced it would add an esports-specific appendix to its International Sporting Code, the sim racing world was intrigued to see it in action.
That wait will be over soon, as the first sim racing competition to be run under the FIA umbrella will begin later this month.
The FIA Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Esports Championship is the first sanctioned event by the motorsport governing body. Consequently, the FIA will define the sporting regulations and send a race director, a sporting coordinator and two international stewards.
The series has been running since 2021 as the MENA Esport Cup, now flourishing into an FIA Championship and will once again utilise the Gran Turismo 7 game for an in-person finale.
This will be held in Amman, Jordan, between 13th and 15th November 2025, where the top 24 drivers, following a qualifying period, will aim for the title.
The final will be recorded ahead of an online broadcast on 28th November, with the champion invited to attend December’s FIA Awards in Uzbekistan. Last year’s Cup was won by Mohamed Hadi.
“We are delighted to present the FIA MENA Esports Championship, which will further raise the profile of this thriving motor sport discipline both at regional level and on a global scale,” commented Niroshan Pereira, President of the FIA’s Esports Commission.
“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.
“It is also the result of many years of hard work and a pioneering vision, for which we congratulate everybody who has played a part. We look forward to following the competition and to welcoming the winner in Tashkent at the end of the year.”
Other virtual events have run with the FIA name attached, but either as part of a wider event – see the FIA Motorsport Games – or include the licensed name of a car in their title, for example, the FIA F4 Esports Global Championship on iRacing.
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