The Esports World Cup 2025 has launched with an opening ceremony headlined by Post Malone.
As well as the audience at the ANB Arena in Riyadh’s Boulevard City, the launch of the esports and gaming event was watched by a global online audience.
In a statement, organisers highlighted the Esports World Cup’s “growing status as a global meeting point for the biggest names in entertainment, music, sport, gaming and esports”.
Post Malone opened his performance with global hit Circles.
The launch of the seven-week event featured the live debut of Til My Fingers Bleed, the official song for the Esports World Cup 2025. The collaboration – featuring Dino of Seventeen, Duckwrth and Telle Smith of The Word Alive – combines K-pop, hip-hop and rock and surpassed two million Spotify streams in its first week
There were also performances from Grammy-nominated producer Alesso and cellist Tina Guo, who played their instrumental track Ascension.
The opening ceremony additionally featured Twitch streamer Tyler 1, former NFL star Osi Umenyiora, chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, actor Karry Wang and professional gamer Arslan Ash.
“At its heart, the Esports World Cup is a global celebration of community – where gaming, creativity and culture converge on the world’s biggest stage,” said Mike McCabe, chief operating officer, Esports World Cup Foundation. “EWC Music, our official song Til My Fingers Bleed, and the Opening Ceremony define the identity of the tournament. They reflect the spirit of shared passion and the connective power of music and esports, setting the tone for an unforgettable summer.”
The show was produced by an award-winning team led by executive producer Ariel Horn and executive creative director Viranda Tantula. Designed by Possible Productions, it culminated in a 40-metre mountain stage, tiered ramps and a flown LED ceiling to create scale and depth in the venue.
