The 2025 Esports World Cup kicked off in commanding fashion last night, transforming Boulevard City in Riyadh into an arena of sonic spectacle and global fanfare. As thousands filled the ANB Arena and millions more tuned in online, the Opening Ceremony signaled more than the start of a tournament—it was the beginning of a multi-week cultural event blurring the lines between competitive gaming, live entertainment, and digital fandom.
Headlined by Post Malone, the sold-out celebration inaugurated what is now being called the world’s largest esports tournament, a bold new standard in immersive, live-event production. With a stage engineered for scale, sound, and storytelling, the night became a physical manifestation of esports’ growing influence on global entertainment.
Central to the ceremony was the live debut of “Til My Fingers Bleed”, the official Song of the Year for the Esports World Cup 2025. The genre-defying track—featuring DINO of SEVENTEEN, Duckwrth, and Telle Smith of The Word Alive—has already amassed over two million Spotify streams in its debut week.
For its premiere performance, the trio appeared together for the first time, delivering a charged blend of K-pop choreography, hip-hop cadence, and post-hardcore grit. Flanked by towering LED visuals and high-impact lighting design, their set channeled the adrenaline and emotional volatility of competition at the highest level.
“Performing at the Esports World Cup opening ceremony was such an eye-opening experience,” said DINO.
“It was really meaningful for me to connect K-pop with another creative frontier—the gaming world—and to share the stage with amazing, genre-diverse artists like Duckwrth and Telle Smith. The atmosphere and energy from the audience were incredible, and it'll definitely inspire me to keep pushing my artistic boundaries.”DINO
As the final notes of the opening act settled, Post Malone emerged solo beneath a wash of soft light, opening with his contemplative anthem “Circles.” The simplicity of the staging—a notable departure from the high-voltage energy before—offered a moment of gravity in an otherwise kinetic evening. Later, Alesso, joined by cellist Tina Guo, lifted the tempo again with a live rendition of “Ascension”, an instrumental track pulsing with tension and triumph as tournament visuals played across the LED-cloaked arena.
The production itself was a feat of engineering. Designed by Possible Productions and led by executive producer Ariel Horn and executive creative director Viranda Tantula, the 40-meter mountain stage—complete with tiered ramps and a flown LED ceiling—served not just as a backdrop but as a storytelling device.
“We all dream of telling stories on the biggest stages and this was certainly that. But even more, we aim to tell emotional stories that connect with fans across the globe who dedicate their time to this diverse collection of games at EWC 2025.”Ariel Horn, Executive Producer of Possible Productions
Each act was calibrated to flow into the next, using augmented reality, dynamic visuals, and precision choreography to carry the narrative through music, motion, and digital artistry.
Beyond the performances, the ceremony’s red carpet underscored the EWC’s cross-sector reach. A mix of entertainment icons, sports legends, and gaming personalities joined the event, including:
Streaming phenom Tyler1
NFL veteran Osi Umenyiora
Chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen
Actor Karry Wang
Esports champion Arslan Ash
Their presence cements what organizers and industry watchers have long anticipated: that esports is no longer niche—it’s a new pillar of global culture.
With the ceremony concluded, attention now turns to the tournament itself, where the world’s top players and teams will face off across multiple competitive titles. Staged throughout Boulevard City, the matches form the heartbeat of a seven-week celebration that culminates in the awarding of the Esports World Cup Club Championship, esports’ most coveted team title.
According to Mike McCabe, Chief Operating Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, the goal was to deliver a cultural touchpoint, not just a tournament.
“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,” McCabe stated. “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.”
Fans eager to experience the Esports World Cup in person—or dive into the associated cultural and festival programming—can secure tickets at esportsworldcup.com. With daily matches, immersive fan zones, music experiences, and global food showcases, the event offers more than a competition—it’s an invitation to a global community.
Esports, once confined to online streams and niche fanbases, has now found its stage. And if last night’s kickoff is any indication, the Esports World Cup 2025 is poised to dominate the summer—not just as a tournament, but as a cultural landmark.