Spotify named official audio streaming partner for Esports World Cup 2025

This March 20, 2018, file photo shows the Spotify app on an iPad in Baltimore. (AP)

“On Spotify, we’ve seen firsthand how music and gaming come together to create powerful, immersive moments

Updated 16 July 2025

Arab News

July 16, 2025 02:21

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.

We’re thrilled to partner with the Esports World Cup, a global event that shares our passion for music, fandom, and culture, says Akshat Harbola, Managing Director for MENAP, Spotify

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, ��ֱ�� 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.��

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Topics: Spotify

Delta to make Riyadh–US a major new corridor

Updated 1 min 37 sec ago

November 05, 2025 17:00

Delta to make Riyadh–US a major new corridor

Updated 1 min 37 sec ago

November 05, 2025 17:00

��ֱ�� is rapidly advancing its goal to become a global hub for air connectivity and logistics under Vision 2030. The Kingdom surpassed its initial tourism milestone under Vision 2030 and has now raised its target to 150 million visits by 2030. This growth underscores a need for more direct, premium long-haul capacity. Authorities highlight record growth in international arrivals and increased travel spending as momentum drivers.

Delta Air Lines recently announced a new direct route from Atlanta to Riyadh as part of its entry into the Saudi market. The airline aims to integrate the Kingdom into one of the world’s most extensive networks from the US.

��ֱ��’s aviation strategy aims to reach 330 million passengers, serve more than 250 destinations, and handle 4.5 million tons of air cargo by 2030, reinforcing the National Transport and Logistics Strategy to boost the sector’s contribution to the GDP. An expanding Riyadh hub, bolstered by Delta’s operational scale and reliability, positions the Kingdom as a leading gateway connecting three continents. For Delta, launching service to Riyadh is a significant step toward its ambition to become a leading premium global airline, with a particular focus on connecting the world and bringing travelers to dynamic, rapidly developing destinations rich in culture.

This development enhances the Riyadh-US corridor by providing greater frequency, connectivity, and a premium travel experience tailored to the region’s rapidly growing demand for both passenger and commercial traffic on both sides of the Atlantic.

The new non-stop flight, starting in winter 2026, will operate three times weekly on Delta’s Airbus A350-900. It will be one of Delta’s longest at over 7,000 miles and will link US passengers to Riyadh with seamless one-stop access to 150+ destinations. It also offers Saudi travelers a direct gateway to explore the US.

Delta views this expansion not only as a strategic gateway into the Middle East, but also as a marker of the next phase in its global expansion. Last year, Delta laid the groundwork through a strategic partnership with Saudi carrier Riyadh Air, which set the stage for codesharing, loyalty integration, and potential collaboration in maintenance and training. Delta Air Lines will be Riyadh Air’s exclusive partner in North America, and Riyadh Air will be Delta’s exclusive partner in Riyadh.

Delta has earned recognition from aviation analytics firm Cirium for operational excellence, finishing 2024 as North America’s most on-time airline and earning the Platinum Award. The carrier operates more than 5,000 daily flights to over 300 destinations worldwide, providing the Kingdom with an established distribution network from the US and beyond.

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