The Esports World Cup (EWC) concluded with a spectacular finale on August 25 at Riyadh Boulevard City, marking a successful debut with the crowning of champions. The event boasted impressive figures: $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 worldwide tuning in.
This landmark event underscores Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global epicenter for esports, aligning with the Vision 2030 strategy. Central to this transformation is the stc Group, the leading digital enabler in Saudi Arabia and the region, and an Elite and Founding partner of the EWC.
“In an event of this magnitude, connectivity is crucial, and stc was able to provide the necessary technology and network systems for seamless gameplay,” said Mohammed bin Rashid Abaalkheil, Vice-President of Corporate Relations at stc Group, in an exclusive interview with TradeArabia.
stc’s robust infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and commitment to innovation make it a pivotal player in Saudi Arabia’s journey to becoming a global hub for gaming, entertainment, and digital excellence. Abaalkheil emphasized, “Being the hub of esports worldwide requires a seamless experience, and stc is proud to ensure that this experience is consistently delivered, especially with the speed and low latency demanded by esports.”
stc’s role extended beyond digital infrastructure. “It’s not just about being a reliable digital enabler,” Abaalkheil added. “We also offer an ecosystem of services like STC Play, STC TV, and STC Pay, which enhance the 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 aspiring gamers, STC TV Studios to broadcast the games worldwide, and various engaging activities for visitors.
Expanding Beyond Borders
Abaalkheil highlighted how stc’s extensive infrastructure supports the growth of esports and other digital activities across the region and beyond. stc aims to be at the forefront of the rapidly evolving gaming industry, driving innovation and enhancing user experiences. “Our ambition is to think ahead, stay ahead, and ensure that stc is there to enable whatever new breakthroughs emerge in the gaming industry,” he said.
“Saudi Arabia intends to be the global gaming hub, and we are committed to enabling that vision.”
stc’s forward-thinking approach is reflected in its ecosystem of subsidiaries and business units, such as its tower company, data centers, and submarine cables. “We are also looking to 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 is a testament to its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s esports vision. Abaalkheil described the partnership as a significant milestone for both 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 program, 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 go beyond 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.
