stc Group returns as Esports World Cup partner 2025

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced the return of the Saudi Telecom Company (stc Group) as a partner for this year’s Esports World Cup.

Esports World Cup x stc – providing the needed infrastructure

The telecommunication company will provide the EWCF with the infrastructure needed for the Esports World Cup, the multi-esports event set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, next month. According to a release, stc managed a dedicated operations room during the competition to ensure optimal ping and low latency.

As an Elite and Founding partner, the company will also be featured in broadcasts and will stream all tournaments on stc.tv, the company’s dedicated streaming platform. All tournaments will be streamed live and will feature interactive displays as well as on-site demonstrations to engage fans.

The company is returning to the EWC after being a partner last year, where it had naming partnerships for three of the four esports venues at the tournament. This year, stc is also returning with a new activation for its loyalty programme, qitaf.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the EWCF, commented on the partnership: “We are thrilled to renew our partnership with stc Group, reflecting a shared commitment to setting new standards for live esports events. 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 EWC, and in shaping the future of digital entertainment in the Kingdom and beyond.”

Esports World Cup is gearing up for the start

With this partnership, the EWCF is progressively locking in all the partners for the competition. Aside from stc, the EWCF has signed partnerships with Amazon (on a three-year deal), coffee brand Barn’s coffee (on a two-year deal until 2026), and OBSBOT as a camera and webcam partner (on a two-year deal).

Additionally, the EWC has been attracting new competitions and global ambassadors. Earlier last week, football icon and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo became a Global Ambassador of the tournament to bridge the gap between traditional sport and competitive gaming. The other ambassador of the EWC is Chess player Magnus Carlsen, who was appointed when Chess was officially added as a competition in the EWC at the end of 2024.

Returning from July 7 to August 24, 2025, the Esports World Cup will have a total of 25 competitions across 24 game titles, with an expected presence of more than 200 esports teams and 2,000 elite players. This year, the EWC has increased its total prize pool once again, reaching over $70 million, $27 million of which is going to be distributed to the top 24 teams in the EWC Club Championship. Last year, it was Team Falcons who ended up taking first place, followed by Team Liquid and Team BDS.