During the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2023, stc emerged as a major force, reshaping competitive gaming with its state-of-the-art platforms, stc play and stc tv. These platforms are not just access points; they have become essential tools for connecting gamers and fans, offering innovative features and unparalleled experiences.
In an exclusive interview with TradeArabia, Bader Almarshoud, Head of stc play, highlighted the company’s mission to go beyond providing connectivity and create unmatched experiences for the gaming community. With the EWC offering $60 million in prize money, stc play and stc tv played a crucial role in expanding the event’s reach, bringing the excitement from Riyadh’s Boulevard City to millions of homes worldwide.
stc play: Redefining Fan Engagement
stc play, designed to engage the gaming community, introduced exclusive features for EWC, including real-time updates, team leaderboards, and live predictions, which allowed fans to win prizes by forecasting match outcomes. The platform became a vital hub for fans, amplifying engagement and interaction throughout the event.
stc tv: Comprehensive EWC Coverage
stc tv elevated the EWC experience by broadcasting live matches and stage events across five dedicated channels, ensuring that even those who couldn’t attend in person enjoyed comprehensive coverage. The extensive reach of stc tv helped attract a broad and diverse viewer base, further solidifying stc’s role in esports.
Innovative Partnerships and Infrastructure
As the exclusive digital sales partner for EWC merchandise, stc play seamlessly integrated its loyalty program into the event, enhancing the fan experience with rewards. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, including collaborations with the Saudi Esports Federation, stc strengthened its gaming infrastructure and improved its network to minimize latency and deliver superior performance.
The Digital Backbone of Gaming
Almarshoud emphasized that stc’s gaming strategy, launched four years ago, has been instrumental in creating a more cohesive gaming environment in Saudi Arabia. With a dedicated operational center and partnerships with key entities, stc’s efforts have streamlined gaming experiences, benefiting gamers and fans alike.
During the EWC, stc set up a “war room” within its Digital Network Operations Center, where over 45 professionals monitored the network, ensuring smooth operations and preemptively resolving potential issues. This commitment to seamless experiences ensured that stc play was ready for the World Cup, with a dedicated landing page launched in time for the event.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
stc’s involvement as an Elite and Founding Partner of the EWC aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, supporting the kingdom’s ambition to become a global gaming hub. Plans to develop an Esports city in Qiddiya, with stc playing a key role, showcase the company’s long-term commitment to the industry.
stc is also nurturing talent in the gaming sector through educational programs. Recently, 78 gamers completed a free esports training program, preparing them for roles as professional players or coaches. Almarshoud encourages parents to support their children’s gaming interests by guiding them toward certification programs and esports education.
By leading with innovation and prioritizing customer experiences, stc is not only enhancing the esports world but also contributing to Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global leader in the gaming industry.
