The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) and Star Sports Network have announced a partnership, securing the broadcasting rights for the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2024. Scheduled to take place in Riyadh from July 3rd to August 25th, the EWC is set to be the largest multi-game esports tournament ever, featuring 21 of the world’s most popular game titles and uniting global gaming communities.

Over eight weeks, viewers will witness esports clubs compete in premier competitions. As the official broadcaster, Star Sports Network will provide coverage, including in-depth commentary in both English and Hindi.

The EWC will be streamed live on Star Sports’ YouTube channel and broadcast on linear TV via Star Sports First and Star Sports 2. The event will feature eight game titles: Call of Duty: Warzone, Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Overwatch 2, Apex Legends, Fortnite, EA Sports FC 24, and PUBG Battlegrounds. The opening broadcast is scheduled for Week 1, on July 3rd at 10 PM on Star Sports First and YouTube Channel, featuring Call of Duty: Warzone in Hindi. From Week 3, starting July 18th, broadcasts will begin at 9 PM on Star Sports 2, Star Sports First, and YouTube Channel. Special highlights include Hindi commentary for Call of Duty: Warzone in Week 1 and Counter-Strike 2 in Week 3, available on Star Sports First and YouTube Channel.

In 2022, the BGMI Masters became the first esports franchise broadcast in India by Star Sports Network, attracting millions of viewers and marking a milestone in bringing esports to Indian audiences. This success underlines the popularity of esports in India and sets the stage for the upcoming EWC broadcast.

Vikram Passi, Head Marketing – Sports, Disney Star “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, energize the gaming community, and foster greater acceptance of esports among non-gamers.”

Ralf Reichert, CEO, Esports World Cup Foundation: “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.”

The EWC 2024 has a prize pool of $60 million (INR 500 crore). Featuring a new cross-game competition format, the tournament will award prizes for individual game titles and club performances.

The broadcast of the EWC on Star Sports Network further consolidates esports as a growing sport in India, bringing global esports action to Indian audiences. The Esports World Cup Foundation and Star Sports, with this move, display a shared vision of expanding esports’ reach in India.