logo
Spotify named official audio streaming partner for Esports World Cup 2025

Spotify named official audio streaming partner for Esports World Cup 2025

Arab News15 hours ago
The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced a partnership with Spotify, the world's most popular audio streaming subscription service, as the official audio streaming partner for the Esports World Cup 2025. The collaboration will bring fans an immersive audio experience throughout the world's largest esports and gaming event — powered by Spotify's library of more than 100 million tracks.
As part of the partnership, Spotify will launch the EWC Music Hub, featuring official tournament anthems that form part of the EWC music identity, along with Spotify-curated gaming playlists designed to elevate the in-game and fan experience. The partnership also includes artist collaborations and on-site content creation with EWC creators and fans to deepen the personal connection between sound and gameplay.
Music will take center stage at EWC 2025. Earlier this month, the Esports World Cup Foundation announced that global icon Post Malone will headline the opening ceremony on July 10. The event will also include the live debut of 'Til My Fingers Bleed,' performed by Dino of Seventeen, Duckwrth, and Telle Smith of The Word Alive, alongside appearances by Grammy-nominated producer Alesso and renowned cellist Tina Guo.
'Our partnership with Spotify extends the Esports World Cup experience beyond the arena, inviting fans into the heart of the tournament through music and sound,' said Mohammed Al-Nimer, chief commercial officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation. 'This partnership brings our EWC Music vision to life: blending original music, global artists, and fan-driven playlists to create deeper connections with audiences and celebrate our unique ecosystem.'
'We're thrilled to partner with the Esports World Cup, a global event that shares our passion for music, fandom, and culture,' said Akshat Harbola, Spotify's managing director for MENAP.
'On Spotify, we've seen firsthand how music and gaming come together to create powerful, immersive moments. In fact, Saudi Arabia has the highest share of music streamed via gaming consoles on our platform globally — a clear signal that music is a core part of the gaming experience here.
'Together, we're creating iconic experiences and content that inspire and elevate the gaming community.'
Returning to Riyadh, from July 7 to Aug. 24, the Esports World Cup Festival will unite gaming and esports communities for a global celebration of gaming and esports culture. With esports tournaments, live music, retro arcades, anime cafes, cosplay, creator studios, and more, the EWC Festival will offer millions of fans exclusive experiences celebrating their love of the game.
The EWC 2025 will feature 2,000 elite players and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries, competing in 25 tournaments across 24 games for a record-breaking $70+ million prize pool.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Saudi PIF-backed Diriyah project awards $1.53bn arena contract to China Harbor
Saudi PIF-backed Diriyah project awards $1.53bn arena contract to China Harbor

Arab News

time34 minutes ago

  • Arab News

Saudi PIF-backed Diriyah project awards $1.53bn arena contract to China Harbor

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's entertainment landscape is set for a major boost with the awarding of a SR5.75 billion ($1.53 billion) contract to construct a 20,000-seat arena as part of the Diriyah development. Diriyah Co., a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, has awarded the contract to a branch of China Harbor Engineering Co. for the Arena Block, a district that will include the Diriyah Arena, three mixed-use office buildings, and a parking facility, the company announced. Spanning approximately 74,000 sq. meters, the Diriyah Arena is designed to host concerts, sports, esports, exhibitions, and live performances to attract residents and international visitors. The Diriyah project, located on the northwestern outskirts of the capital, Riyadh, is one of five giga-projects backed by PIF under the Vision 2030 plan and aims to transform the Kingdom's economic and tourism sectors. Upon completion, it is expected to contribute around SR70 billion to the gross domestic product, generate nearly 180,000 jobs, and accommodate approximately 100,000 residents. 'The iconic Diriyah Arena will be a landmark entertainment complex in Diriyah that reinforces the City of Earth's growing global role in shaping Saudi Arabia's artistic and cultural future, in alignment with Vision 2030,' Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Co., said. The contract is the latest step in the company's ongoing 2025 development drive, marking continued progress on the project. Yang Zhiyuan, CEO of the Chinese firm for the Middle East, said: 'CHEC will bring to the project a wealth of global experience, technical expertise, and a proven track record in delivering the complex.' Designed by global firm HKS Inc., the structure blends traditional Najdi architecture with modern elements, reflecting Diriyah's cultural heritage and global outlook. The broader Arena Block will also include three mixed-use office buildings designed by John McAslan + Partners, covering 114,000 sq. meters, along with over 4,000 parking spaces to support the stadium and surrounding offices.

Pencak silat, Indonesia's ancient martial art, gains new footing in UAE
Pencak silat, Indonesia's ancient martial art, gains new footing in UAE

Arab News

time34 minutes ago

  • Arab News

Pencak silat, Indonesia's ancient martial art, gains new footing in UAE

JAKARTA: Indonesia's traditional martial art that blends combat and artistic performance, pencak silat, has been gaining popularity in the UAE, which has played host to several international tournaments to promote the discipline worldwide. The traditions of pencak silat entered the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List in 2019. While its earliest origins can be traced back to the seventh century, pencak silat has evolved over the centuries, with the term widely used today often credited to Indonesia's West Java province and Sumatra island. The martial art is also popular in neighboring countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore, and has been included in the Southeast Asian Games since 1987 and at the 2018 Asian Games hosted by Indonesia. In the UAE, there has been a growing interest in pencak silat, with Abu Dhabi hosting the 20th World Pencak Silat Championship and the 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship simultaneously last December, marking the first time such tournaments took place in the Middle East. 'These two championships became the largest in pencak silat history, with 57 countries represented and over 1,100 athletes, officials, referees, and judges in attendance,' Muhammad Sadri, chief of the social and cultural affairs department at the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and a deputy chairman of the events' organizing committee, told Arab News. 'In the context of international relations, pencak silat serves as a powerful tool for soft diplomacy, fostering mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and friendship between nations.' In recent years, pencak silat gained global traction through rising Indonesian martial artists, such as Iko Uwais and Yayan Ruhian, who performed the tradition in famous film franchises, including 'The Raid' and 'John Wick.' While the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has been promoting pencak silat since 2000, its recent rise to international prominence has helped boost its popularity in the UAE. Following the global pencak silat tournaments last year, the discipline has since been recognized by the UAE Sports for All Federation. 'The response from both the UAE government and the public has been overwhelmingly positive. Pencak silat has attracted growing interest not only from the Indonesian diaspora, but also from Emiratis and expatriates of various nationalities who have begun participating in regular training sessions,' Sadri said, referring to weekly pencak silat classes held at the embassy. Indonesian authorities see pencak silat as 'one of the most unique and meaningful expressions' of Indonesia's heritage, and a 'living embodiment' of the country's core values of discipline, respect, humility, and strength in harmony. The UAE 'provides an ideal and strategic platform to introduce and celebrate this treasured Indonesian tradition with the world,' Sadri said. 'By promoting pencak silat in the UAE, the embassy is not only preserving a vital part of Indonesian heritage, but also inspiring youth, strengthening people-to-people connections, and opening up new avenues for collaboration in the fields of sport, education, and cultural diplomacy.' Beyond its sporting element, pencak silat also covers mental and spiritual aspects, as well as life philosophy, while its techniques range from unarmed skills to others incorporating the use of traditional weapons, such as machete, dagger, and trident. It also draws heavily from nature, with many styles taking inspiration from the movements of animals and natural elements, such as the silat harimau, or tiger style, from West Sumatra, which mimics the ferocity and agility of a tiger. In its inscription, UNESCO highlighted how the practice strengthens comradeship and maintains social order, while also providing entertainment in traditional ceremonies. 'Pencak silat is not merely about physical combat — it is about character-building, cultural identity, and human connection. It offers values that transcend borders: discipline, resilience, and harmony,' Sadri said. He said the discipline 'is not only a reflection of Indonesia's past, but also a contribution to the future — as a universal platform for peace, empowerment, and international cooperation.'

2025 Dubai T100 Triathlon weekend set to be ‘bigger and better'
2025 Dubai T100 Triathlon weekend set to be ‘bigger and better'

Arab News

time5 hours ago

  • Arab News

2025 Dubai T100 Triathlon weekend set to be ‘bigger and better'

DUBAI: The second edition of the Dubai T100 Triathlon Weekend is set to return from Nov. 13–16, 2025, and promises to be 'bigger and better,' according to the Dubai Sports Council. The event will again be held in collaboration with the Professional Triathletes Organization. General registration is now open for amateur triathletes to take part in the 100 km race (2 km swim, 80 km bike, 18 km run) and the sprint distance (750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run). Ahmed Al-Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, a division of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism — a key partner of the event — highlighted the strategic value of the triathlon weekend, which will again be included in the annual 30 days of Dubai Fitness Challenge. 'Our continued commitment to developing sports tourism through world-class events like the Dubai T100 Triathlon aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to position Dubai as a premier global destination for both business and leisure,' he said. 'After the success of the 2024 debut, we are confident that the 2025 edition will attract global attention, contribute to the local economy, and highlight Dubai's diverse offerings to international audiences.' Eisa Sharif, director of Sports Events at the Dubai Sports Council, revealed ambitious plans to expand the event in 2025. 'We were delighted to host the T100 Triathlon World Tour in Dubai for the first time last November. The race was a valuable addition to our growing calendar of diverse sporting events, particularly as part of the successful Dubai Fitness Challenge,' he said. 'Dubai has firmly established itself as a global hub for triathlons, offering events for men, women, professionals, and amateurs. With world-class infrastructure and local expertise, we are well-positioned to host major international competitions.' Sharif said that the T100 had brought together the world's top triathletes, including Olympic champions, and had crowned the first men's and women's T100 world champions, Belgium's Marten Van Riel and American Taylor Knibb. 'Equally significant was the enthusiastic participation of nearly 10,000 amateur athletes across the 100 km and sprint races, as well as in the untimed 5 km music run, which welcomed participants of all ages and abilities. This community race aligned perfectly with the Dubai Fitness Challenge's goal of encouraging 30 minutes of activity for 30 days,' he added. 'For 2025, we are working closely with the PTO to expand all three race categories. In addition, we will introduce a schools event and a corporate relay, further enhancing community engagement and reinforcing our vision of promoting healthy, active lifestyles to improve the quality of life in Dubai.' Sam Renouf, CEO of the Professional Triathletes Organization, said: 'The 2024 Dubai T100 Triathlon was a huge success, quickly becoming a bucket-list race on the new T100 World Tour. We're thrilled to be building on that momentum by creating more opportunities for amateur athletes — and now, corporate teams — to participate in a festival-like celebration of swim, bike, and run around the Meydan Racecourse.' The 2025 T100 Triathlon World Tour has already visited Singapore (April 5–6), San Francisco (May 31-June 1) and Vancouver (June 14-15). Swiss Olympic star Julie Derron leads the T100 Race to Qatar rankings for the women, while Belgium's 2024 T100 world champion Marten Van Riel tops the rankings for men. The next T100 race is in London on Aug. 9-10.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store