The final of the First Channel Cup in ‘World of Tanks’ took place
On the night of April 26 to 27, the final of the tournament “First Channel Cup. World of Tanks” took place in Moscow at the universal sports hall “Druzhba.” The broadcast of the final event was aired on the country’s main channel.
“It is gratifying that the First Channel has become the first in this too! We are the first in space, we are the first to show esports at the federal level. <...> ‘[World of Tanks](/games?search=Мир танков)’ makes a person dive into history, understand the causes of the Great Patriotic War, understand why we won, understand the power of our engineering thought and what distinguishes one tank from another. <...> Esports is the reality of today’s youth, and either we will send this youth on an independent path — let them absorb information through Western sponsors and Western games — or we will offer them our initiatives.”
Ruslan Ostashko, host of the program “Time Will Show,” host of the “First Channel Cup” in “World of Tanks”
The new champions and holders of the “First Channel Cup. [World of Tanks](/games?search=Мир танков)” were the AMG team, who defeated their opponents – the Enemy team – with a score of 5:2 (BO 9). All virtual duels took place on the battlefields of Soviet tankers during the Great Patriotic War – legendary gaming locations. Karelia, Steppes, Prokhorovka – maps recreated based on real historical battles. Before each duel, historical information about the events happening on the battlefields was shown on the screens. The whole tournament was infused with history, a memory of great feats.
More than 120 teams participated in the qualifying rounds, and the total prize fund of the tournament was 5 million rubles. The main trophy of the competition—a massive cup weighing over 40 kilograms, which is twice the weight of the Stanley Cup—sparked special interest among participants.
“Our tournament has become an important step in the development of esports and digital culture in Russia. The format, supported by the country’s largest TV channel, has shown that games are not just entertainment but a powerful tool for education, socialization, and inspiration. ‘[World of Tanks](/games?search=Мир танков)’ is more than a game: it’s a virtual space where pages of history come alive, character is tempered, and interest in the real world is born through the prism of digital interaction.”
Boris Sinitsky, Chief Operating Officer of 'World of Tanks' at GC 'Lesta Games'
Many fans came to witness the large-scale event in person. Over 3000 computer sports enthusiasts gathered that day in the stands of the “Druzhba” hall to cheer for their favorites and also receive special prizes from the organizers.
Throughout the day, entertainment areas, photo zones, and the gaming area ‘Personal Score’ were available for visitors to the final of the First Channel Cup, and after the matches, everyone could receive autographs from the tournament winners. Special attention was paid to a zone of historical memory: a unique exposition featured books about the Great Patriotic War, as well as interactive tablets with personal stories of front-line soldiers, implemented in cooperation with the Victory Museum’s project ‘Faces of Victory’. For spectators wishing to honor the memory of veterans, a zone with florists ‘Red Carnation’ was available.
The Cup was one of many events that the group of companies ‘Lesta Games’ prepared in anticipation of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.
‘[World of Tanks](/games?search=Мир танков)’ is a free multiplayer online game. Realistic graphics and sound allow players to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of battle; the variety of mechanics and game modes makes each fight unique and exciting. More than 800 armored vehicles from the mid-20th century, recreated in meticulous detail, allow players to choose the one that fits their playstyle best. Thanks to constant updates and new content, ‘[World of Tanks](/games?search=Мир танков)’ always remains interesting and relevant for its users.
The group of companies ‘Lesta Games’ is the largest developer and operator of computer games in Russia. The ‘Lesta’ studio was founded in 1991 in St. Petersburg. Since April 2022, GC ‘Lesta Games’ has been operating and developing the projects ‘[World of Warships](/games?search=Мир кораблей)’, ‘[World of Tanks](/games?search=Мир танков)’ on PC and [Tanks Blitz](/games?search=Tanks Blitz) on mobile phones within Russia and Belarus, and is also working on other yet-to-be-announced projects. The main criteria for creating games are advanced strategic components, engaging dynamic gameplay, large-scale battles, and a cohesive online community. Currently, ‘Lesta Games’ has offices in St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Minsk, employing over 2200 people.