• Team Nigma, the world championship winning DOTA2 team, will be moving their headquarters to Abu Dhabi
• A milestone in AD Gaming’s strategy to support and further strengthen the esports ecosystem in Abu Dhabi

One of the world’s most successful DOTA2 esports teams, Team Nigma, are relocating to Abu Dhabi to join the recently launched AD Gaming initiative. From Abu Dhabi, Team Nigma are set to become a driving force behind the continued growth of the Middle East’s video game and esports industry.

For the next five years, Team Nigma’s home will be Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, where they will have their dedicated training facility. The team’s support staff of coaches, analysts and content creators will also be based at the new gaming hub located at twofour54’s Yas Creative Hub, which is set to open in Q4 of this year.

Team Nigma, who have proven themselves repeatedly on the world stage as leading DOTA2 competitors, are set to inspire the next generation of gaming professionals from the region and provide a blueprint for esports teams to gain continued success. Having a single base in Abu Dhabi will allow the team to focus on training for even greater competitive accomplishments.

James Hartt, Director of Strategic Partnerships, twofour54, said: “We are delighted to welcome Team Nigma to the capital of the UAE. We look forward to supporting and delivering this winning team of local superstars to the world. Team Nigma will generate jobs in Abu Dhabi’s esports sector and will inspire local talent by showcasing what can be achieved in this industry through dedication and hard work.

“AD Gaming is already playing a vital role in the growth of the emirate’s gaming and esports industries, and by extension, Abu Dhabi’s economy. As well as being the base for Team Nigma, we are leading world class talent development programs and have set in place a long-term industry support plan for the region’s gaming industry. We look forward to seeing the industry flourish over the next few years.”

Christoph Timm, co-founder of Team Nigma, said: “Most of our players currently live across the region in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon. We put a lot of emphasis on providing the needed infrastructure, proven team development methods and mental support to talent in the MENA region. Having players living and training together with access to all the Yas Creative Hub and Gaming Hub will help us tremendously with our plans in the region.”

“Giving back to the community is one of our core values. We have shown the world that the MENA region has talent with immense potential, and we are certain that with the right support, we will have more talent from the region who will eventually compete on the international stage.

Mohamd Morad, co-founder of Team Nigma added: “Abu Dhabi’s dedicated investment in growing the esports sector through developments like AD Gaming and the Gaming Hub, as well as its safety, beauty and quality of life, made the Emirate a natural choice for our new base of operations. We have received unparalleled support throughout the entire process, allowing the team to focus on training and winning.”

Team Nigma generates revenue through various streams. with some of the gaming industry’s leading companies and by winning esports tournaments, where prize pools can reach millions of dollars. In the past, they have joined forces with the biggest TSP, Etisalat, to create a tournament for aspiring professional players.

AD Gaming is a collaborative initiative pioneered by twofour54 Abu Dhabi that aggregates the emirate’s drive to build a thriving gaming and esports ecosystem. It is supported by major industry players including Unity Technologies, Flash Entertainment, UAE Pro League, Emirates Esports Association and the Media Zone Authority. AD Gaming will provide a comprehensive support system for game developers, players, consumers, and businesses in Abu Dhabi. Team Nigma will join more than 15 gaming and esports businesses who will be part of Yas Creative Hub’s Gaming Hub, opening in Q4 2021.