stc Group Returns as Elite and Founding Partner for Esports World Cup 2025

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (June 18, 2025) – The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today announced the return of stc group, the leading digital enabler, powering Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, as an Elite and Founding Partner for the Esports World Cup 2025. This partnership marks the start of a new three-year commitment (2025, 2026, and 2027) following a successful first year of collaboration at the inaugural Esports World Cup 2024.

Supporting the digital infrastructure and backbone of the Esports World Cup, stc plays a vital role in powering the event’s success. stc group’s investment in high-speed connectivity, seamless game server integration, and 24/7 network monitoring ensures a world-class experience for players, viewers, and attendees. For the inaugural EWC 2024, stc managed a dedicated operations room of over 100 specialists, who worked around the clock to deliver low latency, optimal ping, and uninterrupted service. As an elite partner of EWC, stc group is raising the bar for technical delivery at global esports events.

stc’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Olayan M. Alwetaid, commented on stc’s return as EWC’s Elite and Founding Partner, saying: “stc is proud to continue its collaboration with EWC. This global event is critical to meet Saudi Arabia’s goal to be the premier hub for gaming and esports as our contributions extend beyond gaming; we’re empowering the entire ecosystem to keep pace with the rapid digital transformation of our era. We look forward to seeing the event come to life once again this year.”

“We are thrilled to renew our partnership with stc group, reflecting a shared commitment to setting new standards for live esports events,” said Ralf Reichert, Chief Executive Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation. “Through continued investment in connectivity, content, and fan engagement, stc plays a vital role in delivering a seamless experience for players and fans of the Esports World Cup, and in shaping the future of digital entertainment in the Kingdom and beyond.”

This year, stc will operate as an official broadcast partner through its streaming platform, stc tv. All tournaments will be streamed live on the platform, which will also feature interactive displays and on-site demonstrations to engage fans and promote its content offering. The leading entertainment platform will ensure stc’s digital infrastructure is scaled to meet the complex demands of the tournament for players and fans in Riyadh and around the world.

This year’s partnership also introduces a new activation for qitaf, stc’s loyalty programme. Targeting younger, digitally engaged audiences, the experience will include a gamified booth, QR-based app downloads, and instant rewards, including giveaways and loyalty point redemptions. Open to all telecom users, the initiative aims to boost engagement and showcase qitaf as a lifestyle platform.

stc also returns as naming partner for three key venues: stc Esports Arena, stc Gaming Hall, and stc tv Esports Studios. These spaces will host critical matches, community tournaments, and digital activations.

Returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 to August 24, 2025, the Esports World Cup will unite global gaming communities for a celebration of esports culture. With 25 tournaments across 24 games, 2,000 elite players, and 200 Clubs from over 100 countries, the EWC will feature the largest prize pool in esports history, over $70 million. Fans can expect exclusive experiences, from high-stakes competition to live music, anime cafes, retro arcades, cosplay, and more, drawing millions of fans online and in person.

To learn more about EWC, visit esportsworldcup.com and follow Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn.

About The Esports World Cup

The Esports World Cup (EWC) is a premier annual sporting event and global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom. The competition features a unique cross-game format that pits the world's top esports clubs against one another for the largest prize pool in esports history. Returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the summer of 2025, the EWC will bring gaming and esports communities together again to crown the next Esports World Cup Club Champion. esportsworldcup.com

About stc group

“stc group” is an engine of digital transformation, offering advanced solutions and driving a role in the digitisation process. The group provides a comprehensive suite of services encompassing digital infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), digital payments, digital media, and digital entertainment. The group comprises over 13 subsidiaries across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.

http://www.stc.com

Esports World Cup media contact:

Anna Rozwandowicz

Head of PR

a.rozwandowicz@worldcupfoundation.org

Esports World Cup media contact:

The Story Mob

EWC@thestorymob.com