Esports World Cup Unveils New Series

The Esports World Cup Foundation is partnering with IMG for a range of initiatives around this year’s competition, including the new weekly series EWC Spotlight.

The Esports World Cup (EWC) returns to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 through August 24. IMG is providing premium broadcast production, content strategy, global rights management and international distribution via SNTV for the esports tournament.

IMG will create and produce over 50 hours of programming, including live esports action, digital and social content and an original documentary showcasing the biggest teams in the competition. The content includes EWC Spotlight, which will be produced Friday through Sunday every championship weekend from a custom-built studio in Riyadh. The series will offer esports highlights, entertainment and pop culture features, behind-the-scenes access, celebrity appearances, educational segments and more.

“With EWC Spotlight, we’re creating a new gateway into esports, not just for the millions already engaged, but for the billions yet to discover their passion for competitive gaming,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “By blending elite competition, mainstream entertainment and cultural storytelling, we’re breaking barriers between esports and traditional media. Partnering with IMG, a global leader in sports production and content, allows us to show the world what esports truly represents: an evolution in global entertainment, sports and culture.”

The show is being distributed on Fox Sports (U.S.), DAZN (16 countries globally), beIN/TOD (MENA), Channel 7 (Australia), TRT (Turkey), Astro (Malaysia), TAP (Philippines), GOAT (Brazil), Nsports (Brazil), Star Times (South Africa), Abema (Japan), WHATS TV (Spain), HoyTv (Hong Kong), CHZZK (South Korea) and DirecTV (LatAm), among others.

Barney Francis, executive VP for studios at IMG, added, “The Esports World Cup is as big as it gets for gaming fans and we’re excited to help bring the tournament to fans across the globe through unmissable and headline-grabbing programming. Combining IMG’s premium production capabilities and creativity with our team of global media experts and strategists, this partnership enables us to provide an elevated viewer experience for fans worldwide, as they watch their favorite teams and personalities battle it out on a world stage.”