Star Sports Network, a renowned sports broadcasting network in India, announced its partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) and has secured broadcasting rights for the upcoming Esports World Cup (EWC). The Esports World Cup is set to be the most prominent esports tournament, featuring a mammoth prize pool of $60 million (RS. 500 crore).
The tournament will start on 3 July 2024 and will continue over eight weeks till 25 August 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Esports World Cup will feature 21 popular esports titles, and the top players from all over the world will compete against each other for the championship title.
Also Read: BGIS 2024: Grand Finals Prize Distribution And Individual Awards
Esports World Cup To Be Broadcasted Live Across Star Sports Network In India
Esports World Cup won’t be Star Sports’ first esports broadcast, as they have telecasted two seasons of BGMI Master Series by Nodwin Gaming. In BGMS, top BGMI teams compete for the championship title and the lion’s share of the Rs. 2,10,00,000 prize pool. With the Esports World Cup, Star Sports aims to bring esports to each Indian household.
Throughout the eight weeks of the Esports World Cup, Star Sports will telecast the live matches of Star Sports First, Star Sports 2 and Star Sports' official YouTube Channel. All the matches will be broadcast live across Star Sports Network in English and Hindi commentary. Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, shared his vision of the growth of the Indian esports ecosystem and said:
Our partnership with Star Sports brings the Esports World Cup to India’s massive and passionate gaming audience. 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.
Reflecting on the popularity of esports, Vikram Passi, Head Marketing – Sports, Disney Star, said:
Esports is rapidly emerging as a significant force, fueled by India’s burgeoning gaming culture and its recognition on the global stage. The BGMI Masters’ Series has firmly established itself as a premier tournament in India, demonstrating the immense potential for world-class esports competitions. With the Esports World Cup, we aim to expand our audience, energise the gaming community, and foster greater acceptance of esports among non-gamers.