McLaren Shadow Project Middle-East Finals at The Avenues Bahrain

• Live finals to be held on 23 November at The Avenues, Bahrain with 16 contestants competing for a chance to represent the Middle East in the McLaren Shadow Project world finals
• An entire week-end of fun for families and friends
• A chance to play against and learn from professional champion Olli Pahkala from McLaren Shadow F1 esports team

The countdown to the Middle-East finals of the McLaren Shadow Project is well underway as 16 esports hopefuls prepare to battle on 23 November for the chance to represent the region in the 2019 world finals at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK in January 2019. The winner of the McLaren Shadow Project championship will get a seat in the team’s new F1 esports team and join the McLaren esports development programme where they will hone their skills and work with the McLaren F1 team.

Launched in July 2018, Shadow Project Middle-East is the result of a dynamic partnership between Bahrain-based Atyaf e-Racing, McLaren and UK-based motorsport agency MPA Creative to discover the Middle East’s next eracing star.

The event will be run from Thursday, 22 November until Saturday, 24 November at The Avenues Bahrain, Gate 3.

Olli Pahkala, a relative “veteran” of the esports scene, has become one of its most prominent figures after finishing third in the prestigious 2014-2016 iRacing World Championship Grand Prix Series before earning a semi-final spot in the 2017 Visa Vegas eRace. He will be available to meet visitors and share his expertise and experience in the world of sim racing.

“We are excited to see the first Shadow Project event come to life here in Bahrain,” said Dr Mohamed Ahmed Jumaan, Co-Founder and Director of Atyaf e-sports. “We have a long-term plan for this programme and together with our partners McLaren we are keen to see this grow around the region. We will also be following our winner through the competition in the UK and will promote his experience to our local enthusiasts to encourage participation in future activities and maybe find a star of the future!”

Atyaf e-Racing has also planned a number of fun activities for the public: a retro-gaming display will enable parents and kids to discover the world of gaming from early games such as Super Mario Kart, and various old consoles and TV sets. There will also be a free-to-play area where visitors can practice their skills on Xbox One and Forza Motorsport 7.

On Saturday, the main stage will open to the public, enabling friends and families to compete against one another in mini racing tournaments.

Last, but not least, a specially imported road safety simulator will provide insight and education into safe driving behaviour through virtual reality practice.

Dr. Mohamed also wanted to express his appreciation for the support this event has received from Tamkeen, Gulf Air, DHL and from the many technology suppliers present at the event.

About McLaren Shadow Project
‘McLaren Shadow Project’ is a virtual racing programme that shadows McLaren’s real world. The champion of McLaren Shadow Project 2018 will win a place on the new McLaren esports team and go on to race online against the best teams in the world. The winner will also win access to the McLaren esports development programme,.

About TIG Holdings
TIG Holding WLL is a Bahrain-based group investing in technology ventures. It is notably active in TV and Home Entertainment services, web application development and has recently entered the esports arena through a dedicated subsidiary Atyaf e-sports.

About MPA
Founded in 1984 by Jonathan Gill and Jeremy Clarkson, Motoring Press Agency (MPA) is an award-winning agency providing motorsport media, PR, communications and management services. MPA Creative in its existing form was founded by Deborah Tee in 2008 before expanding to include MPA Commercial in 2015 as a ‘sister’ agency with the arrival of former Haymarket Motorsport Director Ian Burrows and former IMG and MSV business development manager Daniel Bailey.