ABU DHABI // Top footballers earn huge salaries thanks to their talent and extreme fitness. However, even if you are totally unfit and have two left feet you can still earn up to Dh1 million by sitting down and using only your quick wits and quicker thumbs.
In just over a month’s time up to 50,000 armchair “footballers” are expected to battle it out in The Million Player video game tournament in Abu Dhabi.
Now in its second year, the tournament hopes to attract gamers from all over the country and beyond to play each other in the Fifa 14 game on the PlayStation 4.
“Last year we did it on Pro Evolution Soccer game, but this year will be more exciting on Fifa,” said Obaid Al Alili, head of technical for The Million Player. “This was at the request of players, they have been emailing and asking for Fifa. The million dirham grand prize is one of the biggest in the world,” he said.
Even runners up will win big, with second and third places both being awarded a car, fourth place receiving Dh15,000 and fifth place Dh10,000. Other “value gift” prizes will be given to anyone finishing in up to 256th place.
“Anyone can enter from any country in the world and can register online on our website or at the UAE Wrestling, Judo and Kickboxing Federation.
“Last year we had players from France, Germany, Turkey, Brazil – from all over the world. The youngest one was six and the oldest was 49,” Mr Al Alili said.
The event will kick-off at Al Jazeera Sports Club in Abu Dhabi on the second day of Ramadan.
“The length of the tournament depends on how many players register, but it will all take place during Ramadan,” said Mr Al Alili.
“Gaming is just like a normal sport, but everyone is playing in their homes and challenging each other. With this tournament they will be able to challenge everyone, from all over the world, and come together and compete for a million dirhams.
“In Ramadan we will bring people together and meet new friends, it is like a small community. They are connecting together.”
Khadem Al Qubaisi, managing director of International Petroleum Investment Company, the tournament’s sponsor, said: “The tournament is an opportunity for the UAE’s youth to show off their skills in a competitive environment, meet like-minded people, and be part of the wider community of gaming and football enthusiasts.”
Last year’s winner was Moeen Amozadeh, from Iran, Playing with his favourite side, Real Madrid, he beat Emirati Abdullah Saleh Mubarak, who played as Barcelona, 8-6 after extra-time.
“The 2013 tournament was a huge success and we expect it to be bigger and better this year as gamers compete for their chance to win the incredible prize,” said Sultan bin Salim bin Thaloub Al Dari, chairman of the E-Football Committee.
Entry is Dh80 for a single knock-out game or Dh700 for a pass that allows for up to 14 defeats. Fees will increase to Dh250 for a single entry as the tournament draws closer.
Once the registration phase is complete, a full schedule for all players will be posted on the tournament website.
More information and registration forms can be found at www.themillionplayer.com.
ksinclair@thenational.ae
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Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
How to get there
Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
Why the Tourist Club?
Originally, The Club (which many people chose to call the “British Club”) was the only place where one could use the beach with changing rooms and a shower, and get refreshments.
In the early 1970s, the Government of Abu Dhabi wanted to give more people a place to get together on the beach, with some facilities for children. The place chosen was where the annual boat race was held, which Sheikh Zayed always attended and which brought crowds of locals and expatriates to the stretch of beach to the left of Le Méridien and the Marina.
It started with a round two-storey building, erected in about two weeks by Orient Contracting for Sheikh Zayed to use at one these races. Soon many facilities were planned and built, and members were invited to join.
Why it was called “Nadi Al Siyahi” is beyond me. But it is likely that one wanted to convey the idea that this was open to all comers. Because there was no danger of encountering alcohol on the premises, unlike at The Club, it was a place in particular for the many Arab expatriate civil servants to join. Initially the fees were very low and membership was offered free to many people, too.
Eventually there was a skating rink, bowling and many other amusements.
Frauke Heard-Bey is a historian and has lived in Abu Dhabi since 1968.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 540hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 2,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Kerb weight: 1580kg
Price: From Dh750k
On sale: via special order
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David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
