Red Dunes Esports Launches with AngryBird and Big Bird as Co-Founders
Transitioning from franchise players to organizational architects, Street Fighter champions AngryBird and Big Bird have launched Red Dunes Esports.
Key Takeaways:
- AngryBird and Big Bird assume dual roles as active competitors and co-founders of the new organization.
- The veterans bring deep championship pedigree, highlighted by AngryBird's Evo 2023 victory.
- The team will make its competitive debut at Evo Japan and target the 2026 Esports World Cup.
Building an Independent Organization
The announcement moves the two renowned competitors away from standard player contracts. This dual role allows the duo to shape the direction of the team from the ground up. Red Dunes Esports establishes a fresh presence within the Middle Eastern competitive scene, building on the players' deep roots in the United Arab Emirates.
Amjad "AngryBird" Al-Shalabi and Adel "Big Bird" Anouche have long been defining figures in modern fighting games. The training partners spent over half a decade representing NASR Esports, helping put the MENA region on the global map. AngryBird secured a landmark victory as the Evo 2023 Street Fighter 6 champion. Big Bird holds multiple major trophies, including Red Bull Kumite championships. This shift to ownership mirrors a growing trend of top-tier talent seeking equity and control over their competitive brands.
Setting Sights on the 2026 Season
The newly minted roster faces its first major test at Evo Japan. Red Dunes Esports confirmed the players will debut their new banner at the upcoming major. Following that event, the team will compete at the 2026 Esports World Cup.
Securing strong placements at these premier tournaments stands as a core focus for the brand. Both competitors have an extensive history of high-stakes victories across massive brackets. Bringing their championship pedigree to their own organization sets immediate expectations for the Red Dunes project.
Source: Red Dunes Esports
A new chapter begins.
— Red Dunes Esports (@RedDunesEsports) April 2026
Long before the stage, before the lights, there was a shared beginning.
@FGC_Angrybird and @Bigbird_fgc join Red Dunes Esports as players and co-founders.
Built on years of friendship, competition, and a vision shaped over time, this is more than a signing. It is the foundation.
The first stage of this journey: @Evo Japan, and @EWC_EN / @EWC_AR #2026.
The Desert Rises.