Record-Breaking Participation and Media Coverage: Zain Iraq Concludes PUBG Mobile National Championship
Baghdad, Iraq | September 2025: Zain Iraq, the leading telecommunications and digital services provider, continues to make a significant impact on Iraq’s esports landscape, with the Fall 2025 PUBG Mobile National Championship (PMNC) shattering records. The tournament saw 21,990 players competing in the open qualifiers and group stages, more than double the record set during the Spring 2025 season, which drew 7,319 participants. This momentum further cements Zain’s position as a driving force and key enabler of the country’s gaming community.
Zain Iraq had also secured the exclusive license from Tencent, one of the world’s largest internet and gaming companies, to manage the PUBG Mobile National Championship in Iraq for the Fall season, becoming the sole authorized organizer in 2025 following the success of the Spring Championship. This milestone reflects Tencent’s confidence in Zain Esports’ capabilities, commending the professionalism and innovation demonstrated in hosting the tournament and positioning Zain as a benchmark for advancing esports both locally and regionally.
Commenting on the achievement, Emre Gurkan, CEO of Zain Iraq, said:
"This unprecedented growth in the number of participants reflects the passion and talent of Iraqi youth, as well as the tremendous trust they have placed in us as the official tournament organizer." He added: "We remain committed to providing a world-class competitive platform that empowers our youth, fosters digital innovation, and strengthens Iraq’s standing in the regional esports arena."
Compared to the average of just 3,200 participants across PMNC seasons in 2024 —before Zain Iraq took over management— this dramatic surge demonstrates the company’s effective leadership and deep engagement with the gaming community.
Abdallah Al Ghifari, Esports Manager at PUBG MOBILE ESPORTS MENA, stated:
"Zain Iraq has significantly raised the bar for esports in the region. Their commitment to quality, inclusivity, and youth development is clearly reflected in these exceptional registration numbers. We are proud of our partnership with Zain Iraq, which is paving the way for Iraqi players to shine on both the regional and international stage."
The Fall season generated over 55 million views across social media, making it the most-watched PMNC season in history. Zain Esports also hosted a community gathering attended by more than 100 participants and extensively covered by leading Iraqi media outlets, including Al-Iraqiya TV, Al-Rabiaa TV, and 1001.
The championship concluded with the crowning of Iraq’s champions:
- 721 Esports – 1st Place
- GS – 2nd Place
Both teams will go on to represent Iraq at the upcoming PUBG Mobile Super League (PMSL) MENA Championship in Abu Dhabi, providing them with the opportunity to compete on the international stage. Tencent formally praised Zain Esports for its outstanding management of the national championship.
This achievement underscores Zain Iraq’s commitment to supporting the gaming community, empowering Iraqi talent, and placing Iraq firmly on the global esports map, in line with its broader vision of digital transformation and youth enablement