The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today announced that stc Group, an engine of digital transformation, has been named as the Elite and Founding Partner of the inaugural Esports World Cup (EWC), being hosted at the world-class venue, Riyadh Boulevard City, between 3 July and 25 August. The partnership was announced at an official signing ceremony attended by Faisal Alsaber, Group Chief Commercial Officer and Ralf Reichert, CEO of Esports World Cup Foundation.

Through this partnership, stc Group will provide seamless connectivity across all EWC venues, creating an unparalleled competitive gaming experience. With a remarkable track record of innovation and integration of advanced technologies in gaming across the region, stc Group will elevate both professional and enthusiast gaming esports competitions to new heights.

stc Group is also the naming partner for three key venues at the event, which will showcase dynamic and immersive digital and gaming experiences: stc Arena, stc Play Gaming Hall, and stc TV World Cup Studios. These venues will highlight stc Group’s pivotal role in the festival, reaffirming its commitment to advancing the esports industry in the kingdom. The stc Arena and World Cup Studios will host esports matches, while the Gaming Hall will serve as a hub for participants to join community tournaments and other activations.

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“I’m proud to welcome stc Group, a telecommunications giant and digital pioneer, as an Elite and Founding Partner of the Esports World Cup,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of Esports World Cup Foundation. “stc Group is the digital backbone of our competitions and will bring the EWC content to local and global audiences. Through their festival activation, stc will enable fans visiting the EWC to stay connected with the special stc SIM Card. As one of the largest companies in the MENA region, their support means we’re not only going to offer exceptional digital access for fans and athletes but can take the Esports World Cup to the next level.”

Olayan Alwetaid, stc Group CEO, said: “Our partnership with the Esports World Cup is a testament to our vision for the future of gaming. We are thrilled to be deploying our seamless world-class connectivity, enabling the kingdom to become the premier global hub for gaming. stc Group is committed to bringing this event to life with innovative technological solutions, as well as showcasing the vast scale and scope of its services.”

During the EWC, stc play, the leading gaming platform for amateur and professional gamers, will feature engaging activities, including an ongoing prediction segment for all tournaments. Furthermore, with the stc play app, the participants can register for community tournaments taking place in the stc play Gaming Hall, one of the festival’s major venues.

stc tv, an industry-leading streaming service, will play a pivotal role in streaming all EWC tournaments on its platform, ensuring viewers can watch the action unfold in real-time. This partnership highlights the commitment of both stc Group and the Esports World Cup to advancing the growth of the gaming industry in the Kingdom, contributing to Vision 2030 objectives of becoming a premier gaming hub.

Mark your calendars for July 3, 2024, when the Esports World Cup will turn Riyadh into the heart of esports and gaming culture with an eight-week extravaganza. The Festival will showcase gaming activities, community tournaments, pop culture festivities, international experiences, and more. Fans can partake in these thrilling events and witness top athletes and clubs vie in 20 Game Championships for a share of over $60 million in prize money — the largest prize pool in esports history.

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The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) and adidas, the leading global sports brands, announced a groundbreaking partnership that bridges the worlds of athletics and digital competition. As the official merchandise sponsor of the Esports World Cup, adidas will provide esports athletes with exclusive gear, supporting their pursuit of victory.

As the Esports World Cup unfolds, adidas will provide all athletes with premium kits. The partnership also extends to the event staff, with EWC crew, ushers, and access control personnel sporting co-branded adidas apparel.

“The Esports World Cup is proud to partner with adidas, a brand that embodies the spirit of competition and innovation” said Mohammed Al Nimer, Sales Director, Esports World Cup Foundation. “This partnership allows adidas to connect with a passionate and dedicated fanbase, presenting a unique opportunity to engage with the rapidly growing esports community. We look forward to co-creating innovative experiences that excite fans and elevate the esports landscape.”

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“Building on the success of our Gamers8 partnership, adidas is thrilled to join forces with the Esports World Cup, a global leader in esports and gaming,” said Bilal Fares, SVP & General Manager Middle East, North Africa, Ukraine, Central Asia, and The Caucasus, adidas. “Our return to Riyadh underscores our commitment to this dynamic community. This collaboration highlights adidas’ dedication to the Kingdom’s growing gaming scene and our ongoing exploration of sports and entertainment.”

Beginning July 3, the Esports World Cup will transform Riyadh into the epicenter of esports fandom and gaming culture. Located in Boulevard City, fans can watch their favorite athletes and clubs compete across 22 game championships for a share of more than $60 million in life-changing prize money — the largest prize pool in esports history. Across eight weeks, the Esports World Cup will also feature festival activities that include numerous gaming activations, community tournaments, pop culture celebrations, international experiences, and more.