RIYADH: The Saudi Esports Federation and telecommunications firm Stc Group have announced a strategic partnership that will support the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a global hub for esports and gaming, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. Under the deal, Stc Group will provide technical support and high-speed internet services for a number of events in the SEF calendar this year. Also, gaming platform Stc Play will be a sponsor of several major SEF events in the year — including Gamers8: The Land of Heroes, Saudi eLeague, Voices of Saudi Esports and EFC — and will serve as the primary platform for community tournaments at Gamers8 and other gaming workshops. Stc’s InspireU accelerator program will also have a significant on-the-ground presence, connecting with emerging Saudi companies in the gaming and esports industries.