Pact includes tech workshops and internet connectivity at Boulevard Riyadh City $15m gaming tournament runs daily until Sept. 8 RIYADH: Gamers8 has announced that stc play, Saudi Arabia’s leading gaming platform, is to be a strategic partner of this summer’s ongoing esports event in Riyadh, which will run until Sept. 8. Organized by the Saudi Esports Federation, the global gaming and esports season is taking place at a purpose-built venue at Boulevard Riyadh City, with tournaments featuring alongside a series of big-name concerts and festivals. Omar Batterjee, head of Marketing, Communications, and Partnerships at the SEF, said: “We are delighted to welcome stc play as a strategic partner for Gamers8 and greatly appreciate their support of the esports and gaming sector in Saudi Arabia. “Gamers8 has a mission to blur the lines between what’s physical and what’s virtual, and the addition of Saudi Arabia’s digital enabler strengthens what is already an incredible summer season.” Internet connectivity for the Boulevard during Gamers8 will be provided by stc, while there are also workshops at the GameDev venue entitled stc Academy. In addition, stc play have a booth at the Boulevard to promote their platform, as well as branding at the Powr Villa — where you can find one of Saudi Arabia’s most famous esports teams throughout Gamers8. “Supporting digital innovation is significant to stc, and Gamers8 is a prime example of an event that elevates Saudi Arabia on an international level,” Badr Almarshoud, head of stc play, said. “Not only does Gamers8 offer audiences the opportunity to witness innovation in the Kingdom in a physical and virtual setting, but it also stands as a substantial platform for future growth in the digital, gaming and esports spheres.” Gamers8 sees teams from around the world competing across games such as Rocket League, Dota 2, Fortnite, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, and PUBG MOBILE, with prize money of $15 million on offer.