McLaren Shadow project finals at The Avenues

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 UKbased motorsport agency MPA Creative to discover the Middle East’s next eracing star. The event will be run from Thursday until Saturday 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. 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.