stc group has established its presence as the Founding and Elite Partner of the Esports World Cup 2026 in Paris. The company entered the third consecutive year of its strategic partnership to support the global gaming sector. Consequently, this participation helps develop the competitive scene in Saudi Arabia and international markets.
The tournament officially commenced with an opening ceremony in the French capital. Representatives from the Saudi telecom group attended the event to mark the launch, which highlights their commitment to the industry. Meanwhile, the company aims to stay connected with international developments.
stc Group Venues at Esports World Cup
During the event in Paris, the company secured naming rights for three major areas. The stc Arena serves as the primary competitive hub for multiple games. Specifically, these titles include VALORANT, League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Rocket League, EA FC 26, Overwatch 2, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
In addition to the main arena, the company hosts the stc Player’s Lounge and stc Contenders. These dedicated spaces place the brand at the center of the fan experience. Visitors can engage with various activities throughout the tournament footprint.
Broadcast Integration and Digital Features
The partnership extends directly into the official tournament broadcasts. Branded segments like stc Replay, Yesterday’s Highlights, and End of Day Highlights are shown to viewers. Furthermore, these integrations appear across Twitch and in-game moments to reach a global audience.
The digital presence also features the return of Shehanah, the company’s dedicated gaming character. Shehanah represents the next generation of Saudi players in the gaming community. This character appears in the main tournament videos and promotional content for founding partners.
Tournament Scale and Prize Pool
The Esports World Cup features a massive scale this year. The event takes place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from July 7 through August 23, 2026. Notably, the competition brings together more than 2,000 professional players.
Over 200 clubs representing more than 100 countries are competing in Paris. They will participate in 25 tournaments across 24 different game titles. Consequently, players are competing for a total prize pool of more than 75 million US dollars.
Support for Saudi Gaming Talents
This partnership represents a long-term commitment to the Esports World Cup and the broader gaming community. By supporting international tournaments, the company helps local players gain global exposure. This alignment supports the growth of digital entertainment in Saudi Arabia.
In addition, these initiatives help build a sustainable infrastructure for esports. The group continues to invest in digital platforms to connect players worldwide.
