Global Esports Growth
stc Group Supports Esports World Cup Expansion With First International Tournament in Paris
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The Esports World Cup has outgrown its birthplace. What launched in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh in 2024 has now sold out in Paris, with EWC 2026 becoming the tournament's largest edition yet Leader Post. stc group, a Saudi digital company, has backed the event as a Founding and Elite Partner for three straight years, helping transform esports from a regional spectacle into a global phenomenon.
The Paris edition drew over 2,000 players and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries competing across 25 tournaments in 24 game titles Montreal Gazette. The prize pool exceeded $75 million, underscoring how far competitive gaming has come. stc's partnership proved critical—the company delivered 10 to 12 hours of daily coverage through its stc tv channel, racking up over three million plays by late August Brantford Expositor.
From Riyadh Launch to Paris Sellout
The Esports World Cup debuted in Riyadh in 2024 as a Saudi-backed initiative Chatham Daily News. The tournament's pivot to Paris in 2026 marked a bold international expansion. A sold-out venue signals that esports has moved beyond niche appeal into mainstream entertainment. stc group's three-year partnership shows how regional tech companies are building global sports franchises Ontario Farmer.
Record-Breaking Numbers Across Players and Prize Money
EWC 2026 shattered previous benchmarks. Over 2,000 players and 200 clubs entered from 100-plus countries Pincher Creek Echo. Twenty-five separate tournaments ran simultaneously across 24 different game titles. The prize pool topped $75 million—a staggering sum that reflects esports' growing financial muscle and investor confidence Fairview Post.
stc's Role in Broadcasting and Connectivity
stc group went beyond sponsorship. The Saudi firm launched a dedicated EWC channel on stc tv, delivering 10 to 12 hours of coverage daily Mitchell Advocate. By August 23, the channel had logged over three million plays. This heavy broadcasting investment turned casual viewers into fans and amplified the tournament across Saudi Arabia and beyond.
A Partnership That Evolved Alongside the Event
stc's three consecutive years as Founding and Elite Partner show deep commitment to esports' growth. As the Esports World Cup expanded from debut to international stage, stc's support scaled too—from connectivity infrastructure to broadcasting reach to competition logistics. The partnership reflects a broader shift: tech giants in emerging markets are no longer just sponsors. They are builders of global sports brands, transforming regional pride into worldwide competition.
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