Aramco, stc Group Renew Esports World Cup Partnerships

The Esports World Cup Foundation has secured a three-year partnership renewal and expansion with the state-owned energy company Aramco, alongside a renewed agreement with the telecommunications provider stc Group. These partnerships reinforce the role of Saudi Arabian state-backed entities in the ongoing development and operation of the Esports World Cup, a seven-week, multi-title tournament featuring a prize pool exceeding $70 million.

Aramco’s expanded role includes serving as a title partner and sponsoring the Aramco SIM Arena, which will host interactive motorsports activities and the Aramco Esports Championship. This competition will span two seasons, culminating in an in-person finale that offers top-performing teams opportunities for professional driver development. Additionally, Aramco will introduce branded power rankings to highlight top players throughout the event. Meanwhile, stc Group continues its involvement by providing essential broadband and 5G connectivity infrastructure for both participants and attendees.

The Esports World Cup is operated in collaboration with the ESL FACEIT Group, a subsidiary of the Saudi-owned Savvy Games Group, and receives funding through grants from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. While these partnerships signify a deepening of corporate investment in the regional esports ecosystem, the event remains a subject of international scrutiny regarding the broader geopolitical context of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in global sports and entertainment. Financial terms for both the Aramco and stc Group renewals were not publicly disclosed.