By: Wael Magdy

PUBG MOBILE, one of the world’s most popular mobile games, has unveiled a moving new video documentary that not only follows the journey of an emerging esports athlete but also highlights a father’s remarkable shift from hesitation to pride, culminating in a powerful, first-ever public show of support for his son’s gaming dream.

The film follows the story of Iraqi esports player Ahmed "AlHaje" Hasnawi from POWR Esports, who earned a second chance to compete at the Esports World Cup 2025 following a challenging performance the previous year. At its heart lies a transformative moment: AlHaje’s father, Mohammad—once uncertain about his son’s pursuit of gaming—traveled to Riyadh to watch him compete live for the very first time. His presence, captured in front of a global audience, marked a turning point not only for their relationship but also for the regional conversation around gaming as a legitimate path.

As part of PUBG MOBILE’s broader commitment to shifting perceptions around gaming in the region, this documentary addresses a still-prevalent cultural hesitation toward gaming as a viable path. This documentary reflects PUBG MOBILE’s ongoing mission to challenge lingering stigmas around gaming in the Middle East. While the industry has gained significant traction, full parental endorsement remains uncommon. This campaign stands as the first regional effort by a gaming brand to publicly spotlight and positively influence this generational dialogue, encouraging greater recognition of gaming as a legitimate passion and career.

The film quickly became the most shared and widely discussed content of the Esports World Cup (EWC) during PUBG MOBILE WORLD CUP (PMWC), with exceptionally high organic viewership, extensive coverage from leading regional media outlets and top-tier KOLs, and even a televised appearance by AlHaje’s father. The global response further underscored its impact, establishing the story as one of the defining moments of the EWC, symbolizing how family support can transform both personal and cultural narratives in esports.

Serving as a cultural bridge, PUBG MOBILE continues to reflect and honor the values of its regional community, most notably the importance of family, national pride, and collective support. The documentary also highlights Iraq’s growing presence on the global esports stage and the evolving narrative of gaming as a source of purpose, identity, and community leadership.

AlHaje’s journey stands as a powerful inspiration to aspiring gamers across the Arab world, demonstrating the importance of family, resilience, and belief in transforming personal passion into professional achievement.