Ibrahim Albassam: From school champion to Saudi eLeague competitor

RIYADH: Few achieve their dreams by the age of 16. Yet, fresh from high school, Ibrahim Albassam has already achieved a key life goal, leveling up to go from a gaming fan to an electronic sports professional, joining Twisted Minds as a pro player.

While millions around the globe battle it out daily in “EA Sports FC 25,” only the best of the best get to cross the white line and go for glory as a professional player.

As in real football, goals win games in “EA Sports FC 25,” and Albassam knows how to hit the back of the net, but progressing to a pro was a steep learning curve as he balanced his studies with his newfound career.

“Balancing my life as a student and with competitive e-sports was a critical part of my early journey,” he explained. 

“I always made it a priority to stay focused on my studies and exams, while also dedicating time daily for practise and improvement. That discipline helped shape my mindset as a player, learning how to manage pressure, stay consistent, and remain committed to both education and gaming.

“I truly believe that when you’re passionate about something, you’ll always find the time to pursue it and succeed. During that time, I practiced consistently for one to two hours each day to stay sharp and improve my performance.”

Albassam began his e-sports journey through the School eLeague. His talent quickly stood out leading him to represent the Eastern Province in the “EA Sports FC 25” tournament, where he delivered strong performances.

After winning first place in the School eLeague Championship, he was signed by Twisted Minds, one of the Kingdom’s leading e-sports organizations.

“The School eLeague was my first step into the professional scene and served as the gateway for me to join