Service Provider

Seamless connectivity for a global gaming spectacle

The inaugural Esports World Cup (EWC)—a much-anticipated elite multi-genre esports competition—generated excitement and promised thrilling opportunities for pro gamers and enthusiasts alike:

• 21 game titles
• 500+ teams and 1500+ of the best esports players in the world
• A staggering US$60,000,000 in prizes
• Global viewership

What does it take to pull off such an intense event without network drops, slow-downs, or disruptions? As an elite and founding partner for the EWC, stc was charged with running the connectivity across the entire event. That meant running three of the key venues for the EWC: stc Arena, stc Play Gaming Hall, and stc TV World Cup Studios, along with hosting matches for the various tournaments at the main event and supporting the fan-focused community tournaments and activations. In addition, stc TV streamed all EWC tournaments, ensuring that viewers could watch the action unfold in real time.

When downtime is not an option

stc turned to Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance (formerly Accedian Skylight) and Cisco ThousandEyes to provide real-time end-to-end visibility across multiple network domains. “These tools allowed us to proactively monitor and resolve issues, ensuring that every aspect of the digital experience was optimized for the event,” explains stc Transport Operations Director, Yasser Alkholaif. “Cisco Provider Connectivity Assurance helped us not only identify issues within our DC network, but also beyond it.”

To ensure an exceptional gaming experience, stc established one of the first and largest network operations centers dedicated to monitoring the gaming services infrastructure in real time, supported by high-resolution 168 MP screens for continuous world-class service optimization. “We focused on end-to-end network visibility and proactive performance monitoring to meet the expectations of players, fans, and organizers alike,” says Alkholaif.

stc implemented customized dashboards, real-time alerts, and automatic ticketing systems focused on latency, packet loss, and link utilization. They used probes along the entire EWC circuit path to measure performance KPIs every 30 seconds, with a 24/7 monitoring process. A dynamic escalation process and real-time alert mechanism resolved issues quickly. In addition, stc’s service optimization and tracking capabilities—including forensic analysis on IP addresses across the company’s international carriers and cloud provider networks—set the stage for a reliable, consistent gaming experience.

Next-level digital transformation

The collaboration between Cisco and stc enabled a seamless digital experience for all participants of the EWC, helping stc to deliver a top-tier gaming experience through digital resiliency and assurance, backed by a world-class network. The success of the event set a new standard for stc, upping their game in delivering seamless digital experiences for future events and supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global gaming hub.

As the leading information and communication technology (ICT) provider in the Middle East and Africa, stc is committed to driving digital transformation through innovative solutions and services. The company is fully dedicated to Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and establish the Kingdom as a global leader in digital innovation. They’ll continue to invest in advanced technology, expand digital services, and improve network performance to enhance connectivity, foster innovation, and ensure world-class digital experiences.

Alkholaif says that the success of the event has “reshaped our approach to digital transformation, and we are now even more confident in our ability to deliver seamless digital experiences for upcoming events and our customers in the future.”