The Esports World Cup (EWC) concluded spectacularly on Sunday 25 August, at Riyadh Boulevard City, marking a triumphant debut with the crowning of champions. The numbers were staggering: $60 million in prize money, eight weeks of intense competition, 21 game titles, 200 clubs, 2,000 esports athletes, and over 500 million gamers and fans tuning in.
This event represents a bold step toward Saudi Arabia's ambition to become the global epicentre of esports, aligning with its Vision 2030 strategy. Achieving this vision requires extensive collaboration among many stakeholders. Among the key players driving this transformation is the stc Group, the leading digital enabler in Saudi Arabia and the region, and the Elite and Founding partner of the EWC.
"In an event of this magnitude, connectivity is crucial, and stc was able to provide the right technology and network systems needed for the seamless connectivity of the games," said Mohammed bin Rashid Abaalkheil, Vice-President of Corporate Relations at stc Group, in an exclusive interview with TradeArabia.
With its robust infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and commitment to innovation, stc is not just participating in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030; it is actively supporting the future of the kingdom as a global hub for gaming, entertainment, and digital excellence. Abaalkheil added, "Being the hub of esports worldwide requires a seamless experience, which stc is very proud to provide. Esports demands speed, specifically low latency, and we are here to ensure that smooth experience is consistently delivered."
stc's role extends beyond providing the digital backbone for these events. "It’s not just about being a reliable digital enabler,” Abaalkheil said. “We also offer an ecosystem of services, such as STC Play, STC TV, and STC Pay, which enhance the overall experience for both physical and remote esports participants.”
stc’s presence at the EWC was strong, featuring the stc Arena for competitions, the stc play Gaming Hall for budding gamers and enthusiasts, stc tv Studios to broadcast the games worldwide, and numerous other engaging activities for visitors.
Expanding Scale and Scope Beyond Borders
Abaalkheil also highlighted how stc’s extensive infrastructure facilitates the growth of esports and other digital activities across the region and beyond. stc is not content to simply observe the rapid evolution of the gaming industry; it aims to be at the forefront, driving innovation and enhancing user experiences. "Our ambition is to think ahead, stay ahead, and ensure that whatever new breakthroughs emerge in the gaming industry, stc is there to enable them," he said.
"Saudi Arabia intends to be the global gaming hub, and we are committed to being the enabler of that vision."
stc's proactive approach to future technological needs is reflected in its broad ecosystem of subsidiaries and carved-out business units, such as its tower company, data centers and submarine cables. "We are also anticipating the future through our subsidiary IoT Squared, focusing on the Internet of Things and how people will soon have immersive experiences in sports, entertainment, and gaming," Abaalkheil added.
Impact of the EWC Partnership
stc's partnership with the EWC underscores its commitment to the kingdom’s esports vision. Abaalkheil described the partnership as a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia and the global esports community.
"Our collaboration with the EWC is designed to provide a seamless experience for players, teams, visitors, and international audiences," he explained. "This partnership is not just about supporting a single event; it’s about setting the stage for future collaborations and continuously adapting to the dynamic needs of the esports industry."
stc's involvement goes beyond sponsorship. It’s about a deep-rooted commitment to infrastructure and technological excellence, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains the hub of esports activities for years to come. "While the EWC will continue in Saudi Arabia for at least the next couple of years, our goal is to maintain and expand Saudi Arabia's reputation as a global esports hub," Abaalkheil added.
Aligning with Broader Business Objectives
stc’s involvement in gaming and esports aligns seamlessly with its broader business objectives of expanding the scale and scope of its operations. Abaalkheil highlighted stc's commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship through initiatives like the InspireU incubator programme, which supports startups with training, grants, and accelerator opportunities. "We have graduated over 90 startups, and our venture capital fund continues to grow, enabling us to invest in innovative companies and ideas early on," he shared.
The launch of Tali Ventures further underscores stc’s proactive approach to innovation. "We are not only providing services, but are also part of the innovation process. By supporting startups and investing in emerging technologies, we ensure that stc remains a key player in the digital economy, driving growth and enabling new opportunities," he continued.
stc's investments in Riyadh Season and its expansion into Bahrain and Kuwait demonstrate the company’s broader regional ambitions. "Our presence in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman allows us to gather knowledge and insights, ensuring we provide impactful services across the region. Our experience in these markets helps us refine our offerings and contribute positively to the digital landscape of each country."
Shaping Perceptions
stc's efforts in the esports sector are more than business or community engagement; they aim to showcase Saudi Arabia’s potential as a nation. "People need to see to believe," Abaalkheil asserted. "We will work hard to create experiences that speak for themselves, showcasing the openness, culture, and hospitality of Saudi Arabia. We are proud of who we are, and we will continue to demonstrate this to the world."
Looking Ahead: stc’s Vision for the Future
As Saudi Arabia prepares to host major events such as the 2030 World Expo and potentially the 2034 World Cup, stc's role as a digital enabler becomes increasingly important. "Technology is evolving rapidly, and adaptability is key, especially given the young population of Saudi Arabia. We are preparing for future events by ensuring that digital experiences are seamless, whether for those physically present in Saudi Arabia or those engaging digitally from abroad," he said.
Abaalkheil pointed to stc's historical role in supporting large-scale events like Hajj, highlighting how the company has enabled millions of pilgrims to stay connected and share their experiences. "The ability to connect, stream, and engage in real-time is a result of the significant investment stc has made in technologies like 5G. We are proud to be one of the top nations in digital performance and experience, and we intend to continue to remain so through our strategic objective of expanding our scale and scope," he concluded. - TradeArabia News Service
