stc Group, a leading digital enabler, played a key role as an Elite and Founding Partner in supporting the inaugural Esports World Cup (EWC) throughout July and August. Held at Boulevard City in Riyadh, the event marked a significant achievement in Saudi Arabia’s push to become a global gaming hub, aligning with the Vision 2030 objectives. The closing ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
The EWC attracted over 500 million viewers, consuming more than 250 million hours of content, making it the most-watched tournament of 2024. The viewership peaked at 3.5 million during the League of Legends Grand Final.
Central to EWC’s success was stc Group’s cutting-edge delivery of advanced connectivity and digital services. The Group optimized latency with 22 gaming and streaming servers and managed over 3,600 actions through its internet gateway. stc Group’s state-of-the-art 5G network powered the event, delivering a seamless experience for gamers. The Group supported the event with three indoor solution sites and 21 5G zones, capable of providing high-speed internet to over 10,000 players.
To ensure uninterrupted gameplay, stc Group employed real-time performance monitoring and dynamic network optimization. The team deployed 45 engineers and 16 technicians, working around the clock, along with 11 real-time dashboards to monitor network performance.
These efforts elevated the tournament’s gaming experience, setting new standards for future esports events.
stc Group’s involvement in the Esports World Cup is a key milestone in advancing Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, reinforcing the company’s leadership in the digital space. This partnership aligns with the Vision 2030 goals, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global gaming and esports industries.
The Group’s partnership with EWC allowed it to showcase its advanced connectivity solutions and digital services, further establishing its role in enhancing the esports ecosystem. This collaboration highlights how strategic partnerships can elevate gaming experiences to unprecedented levels.
The stc play Gaming Hall, a key attraction at EWC, hosted the largest-ever gathering of gamers, bringing together over 1,500 top esports players from more than 100 countries. Along with stc Arena and stc TV World Cup Studios, these venues emphasized stc Group’s integral role in the festival. The Gaming Hall hosted community tournaments and activations, while stc Arena and the studios delivered thrilling esports matches, cementing stc Group’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s esports industry.
In partnership with Gen.G, stc play hosted a premier esports training program, offering a three-day course aimed at equipping gamers with skills for professional gaming careers. A total of 78 gamers graduated from the program, with 45 completing Rocket League training, 23 specializing in Esports Coaching, and 10 in Valorant.
The program concluded with a Gen.G Graduation Ceremony on August 23, where students received certifications. The event featured keynote speeches by Badr AlMarshoud, Head of stc play, and Guan Wang, President of Gen.G Academy, emphasizing the future of gaming in Saudi Arabia and its global potential.
Additionally, stc pay and stc tv, subsidiaries of stc Group, played significant roles in enhancing visitor and player engagement. stc pay provided seamless digital payment options, while stc tv offered comprehensive coverage, connecting audiences worldwide to the tournament, reaching 500 million viewers.
stc Group’s contributions to the EWC underscore its pivotal role in achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, positioning the kingdom as a global digital hub and a premier destination for esports and gaming.
