Star Sports Network and the Esports World Cup Foundation have announced the acquisition of broadcasting rights for the Esports World Cup 2024.
The tournament, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July 3rd to August 25th, will unite the global gaming communities and deliver premier competition at an unprecedentedly large scale. Over eight weeks, it will feature the world’s top Esports’ clubs competition in 21 of the most popular titles. Thus, it will become the largest multi-game Esports tournament ever.
As the official broadcaster of the EWC, Star Sports aims to deliver dynamic coverage of the tournament, offering viewers a comprehensive experience with commentary in both English and Hindi. The EWC will be streamed on Star Sports’ YouTube channel and broadcast on linear TV via Star Sports First and Star Sports 2.
Vikram Passi, Head Marketing – Sports, Disney Star, stated, “Esports is rapidly emerging as a significant force, fuelled by India’s burgeoning gaming culture and its recognition on the global stage. The BGMI Masters’ Series, in just a few seasons, has firmly established itself as a premier tournament in India, demonstrating the immense potential for world-class Esports competitions. With the upcoming Esports World Cup broadcast, we aim to expand our audience base, energize the gaming community, and foster greater acceptance of Esports among non-gamers. This event will not only captivate dedicated Esports enthusiasts but also engage a younger demographic across our platforms, driving a broader appreciation for the competitive gaming landscape.”
This enthusiasm was echoed by Ralf Reichert, CEO Esports World Cup Foundation, who said “Our partnership with Star Sports brings the Esports World Cup to India’s massive and passionate gaming audience. Having witnessed this firsthand, I’m thrilled to nurture India’s growing esports scene and inspire future champions. With the world’s best competing in Riyadh, we hope to spark a new wave of esports fandom in India, and maybe even see an Indian team claim victory.”
In 2022, BGMI Masters became the first Esports franchise to be broadcasted in India by the Star Sports Network. This drew in millions of viewers over its linear television debut, bringing esports to the mainstream Indian gaming audience. With this latest collaboration, Star Sports is set to captivate audiences still further and make an even larger foray into the gaming community.
