stc Returns as Founding and Elite Partner of Esports World Cup 2026
Saudi Telecom Company (stc) has officially renewed its partnership with the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026, returning as a Founding and Elite Partner for the third consecutive year. The announcement further strengthens one of the biggest long-term collaborations in competitive gaming, highlighting stc's growing influence in the global esports ecosystem and its commitment to supporting the gaming industry in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
The Esports World Cup has quickly become one of the world's most prestigious multi-title esports events. With millions of fans tuning in annually and thousands attending live competitions, the tournament has established itself as a centerpiece of international esports. By extending its partnership into 2026, stc continues to play a major role in shaping the future of competitive gaming.
This year's event will take place in Paris, introducing a new international stage while maintaining the tournament's ambition of bringing together the world's best players across multiple esports titles.
Third Consecutive Year of Partnership
The renewed agreement marks the third straight year that stc has partnered with the Esports World Cup as both a Founding and Elite Partner.
According to the official announcement, the collaboration reflects stc's ongoing strategy to strengthen the global gaming industry while supporting Saudi Arabia's long-term vision of becoming a worldwide hub for esports, digital entertainment, and technology innovation.
The continuation of this partnership also demonstrates confidence in the Esports World Cup's rapidly expanding audience and its increasing commercial value for international brands.
stc Receives Naming Rights to Three Major Venues
One of the biggest highlights of the partnership is stc securing naming rights for three key fan and competition areas during EWC 2026.
These include:
- stc Arena
- stc Player's Lounge
- stc Contenders
These branded venues will become central gathering points throughout the tournament, welcoming thousands of spectators, professional players, creators, influencers, and esports organizations.
The naming rights significantly increase stc's visibility both on-site and across global broadcasts.
stc Arena to Host World-Class Esports Competitions
The newly branded stc Arena will serve as the tournament's premier competition venue.
Several of esports' biggest titles are expected to be showcased, including:
- VALORANT
- League of Legends
- Counter-Strike 2
- Rocket League
- EA FC 26
- Overwatch 2
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
By hosting multiple blockbuster tournaments under one roof, the arena aims to deliver one of the largest live esports experiences of the year.
Fans attending the venue can expect high-end production, championship-level competition, immersive stage presentations, and community engagement activities throughout the event.
Massive Global Broadcast Exposure
The partnership extends well beyond physical branding.
Millions of viewers watching online and through live broadcasts will encounter stc branding across numerous production elements.
These include:
- stc Replay
- Yesterday's Highlights
- End of Day Highlights
- Dedicated Twitch integrations
- In-game branded moments
- Broadcast sponsorship segments
These placements ensure the brand remains visible throughout the tournament rather than appearing only during advertisements.
As esports broadcasting continues to grow worldwide, integrated sponsorships like these provide brands with consistent exposure across digital platforms.
Executive Statement Highlights Long-Term Vision
Speaking about the renewed collaboration, Mohammad Al Nimer, Chief Commercial Officer of the Esports Foundation, emphasized the importance of the relationship.
He noted that stc has supported the Esports World Cup since its beginning and praised the company's long-term commitment to competitive gaming.
According to Al Nimer, the three-year collaboration demonstrates a genuine belief in esports' growing importance both within Saudi Arabia and across the international gaming community.
He also stated that having the stc name featured prominently throughout the Paris event and across worldwide broadcasts symbolizes the shared ambition between both organizations.
The statement reinforces the partnership as more than traditional sponsorship, positioning it as a strategic investment in the industry's future.
Shehanah Returns for EWC 2026
The announcement also confirmed the return of Shehanah, stc's gaming mascot and digital character.
Shehanah has become a recognizable figure in the company's gaming campaigns and represents stc's commitment to inspiring younger generations of gamers throughout Saudi Arabia.
During Esports World Cup 2026, Shehanah will appear across multiple digital touchpoints, including:
- Marketing campaigns
- Social media activations
- Interactive promotions
- Fan engagement initiatives
- Digital advertisements
The character will continue serving as an ambassador for stc's gaming ecosystem while helping create a stronger connection with younger audiences.
Why This Partnership Matters
The esports industry continues experiencing remarkable growth across every region.
International tournaments now attract audiences comparable to traditional sporting events, while sponsorship investments continue reaching record levels.
For companies like stc, esports offers direct access to one of the world's fastest-growing digital communities.
Rather than focusing solely on advertising, brands increasingly invest in tournament infrastructure, player experiences, broadcast production, and community engagement.
This partnership demonstrates how telecommunications companies are becoming long-term stakeholders in esports development rather than temporary sponsors.
Saudi Arabia's Growing Role in Global Esports
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in gaming and esports over recent years.
Through infrastructure development, tournament hosting, publisher partnerships, and technology investments, the country aims to establish itself as one of the world's leading esports destinations.
The continued collaboration between stc and the Esports World Cup aligns with broader initiatives focused on:
- Gaming innovation
- Youth development
- Digital entertainment
- International esports events
- Technology advancement
- Content creation
These efforts have already attracted major publishers, tournament organizers, and international esports organizations.
Esports World Cup Continues Global Expansion
The Esports World Cup has rapidly grown into one of the largest esports festivals worldwide.
Unlike traditional single-game championships, EWC combines multiple major titles under one international event.
This format attracts:
- Professional teams
- Casual fans
- Streamers
- Influencers
- Content creators
- Industry partners
- Technology companies
The move to Paris for the 2026 edition reflects the tournament's ambition to reach broader audiences while expanding its international presence.
Featured Games Promise Elite Competition
The lineup announced for the stc Arena includes some of the biggest names in esports.
VALORANT remains one of the world's fastest-growing tactical shooters.
League of Legends continues leading global MOBA esports.
Counter-Strike 2 represents one of competitive gaming's longest-running franchises.
Rocket League delivers fast-paced vehicular football action.
EA FC 26 continues football simulation esports following the FIFA era.
Overwatch 2 maintains its international competitive scene.
Meanwhile, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is expected to generate significant excitement among FPS fans following its introduction into the competitive ecosystem.
Together, these games represent millions of active players and viewers across every major esports market.
Benefits for Fans
The partnership will also enhance the fan experience through various initiatives.
Visitors attending Paris can expect branded lounges, interactive gaming zones, exclusive experiences, promotional giveaways, and community activities.
Meanwhile, online viewers will benefit from enhanced broadcasts featuring replay systems, highlight packages, Twitch integrations, and additional digital content.
The combination of live and online engagement reflects modern esports' hybrid audience model.
Brand Visibility Reaches Millions
One of the biggest advantages for stc is the enormous international exposure generated through the Esports World Cup.
With millions expected to watch across streaming platforms and social media, every branded segment contributes to sustained global recognition.
Unlike traditional sponsorships that rely on static advertising, integrated esports branding appears naturally throughout broadcasts, match coverage, and digital content.
This creates stronger audience engagement while reinforcing long-term brand association with competitive gaming.
Looking Ahead
As preparations continue for Esports World Cup 2026, the renewed partnership between stc and the tournament organizers signals another major step forward for international esports.
The combination of venue branding, broadcast integrations, digital campaigns, and fan experiences illustrates how sponsorships have evolved into comprehensive ecosystem partnerships.
With elite competitions, blockbuster game titles, and millions of viewers expected worldwide, EWC 2026 is shaping up to become another milestone event in competitive gaming.
For stc, returning as a Founding and Elite Partner not only strengthens its presence in esports but also reinforces its long-term vision of supporting innovation, gaming communities, and the next generation of players on a global stage.
