Riyadh:According to Saudi Press Agency, Naif Al-Faleh emerged as the leader following the opening round of the 2026 Saudi Toyota Championship Esports. The closely contested remote competition included 60 participants and is organized under the supervision of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation. Bakhashab Motorsport manages the championship in partnership with Jameel Motorsport.

Participants in this second edition of the championship compete on Gran Turismo 7 using PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, with the competition testing various skills such as precision, reaction speed, consistency, strategy, and racing knowledge.

Naif Al-Faleh secured the top spot in the final standings with 69 points. Abdulrahman Al-Batti followed closely with 67 points, while Wissam Khalil came in third with 66 points. The round began with practice sessions, followed by qualifying rounds where Al-Faleh, Al-Batti, Khalil, and Suhaib Juweihan each scored 15 points before advancing to the two main races.

The Saudi Toyota Championship Esports is part of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation's initiative to integrate motorsport, esports, and technology. It aims to uncover and promote Saudi talent in digital racing, engage younger audiences, and strengthen the link between virtual and real-world motorsport.

The championship will proceed with its second round on October 9, and the third round on October 23. Ultimately, 16 competitors will qualify for the in-person final, set to take place on November 6 at Teleios X in Riyadh, a state-of-the-art sim racing center designed to replicate the motorsport experience.