For many years, Esports has been discussed in terms of its vast potential, with ambitious projections and idealistic visions of how this unique platform could be set to revolutionise the way that sports, entertainment, music and technology can combine. While these conversations have historically been framed on the future, the involvement of Saudi Arabia seems to have turbocharged the global growth of Esports, with the Kingdom giving it a prominent position within its Vision 2030 plans. Case in point was the recent Esports World Cup, which saw more than 2,000 players take part in 25 competitions over seven weeks for a total prize pool of $70 million, with Saudi Arabian Team Falcons emerging on top of the leaderboard for the second tournament running.
The Esports World Cup kicked off with a sold-out Opening Ceremony at Riyadh’s ANB Arena, which featured a headline performance from Post Malone. Produced by an award-winning team led by Executive Producer, Ariel Horn, and Executive Creative Director, Viranda Tantula, the show was designed by Possible Productions and set on a 40m mountain stage, with tiered ramps, automated LED ceiling and floor, and a spectacular lighting rig.
Providing its local knowledge and technical production expertise, MDLBEAST oversaw the ambitious project, co-ordinating with creatives and technical suppliers to ensure a smooth delivery. MDLBEAST Project Director, Simon Haddad, wound back the clocks on how the production came together. “We worked closely with partners on both the creative and technical sides to put together a world-class production that marked an important milestone for Saudi Arabia,” he began. “This kind of production only comes together when everyone is unified, and part of my role was to help facilitate that.”
Within the space of 15 minutes, the production packed in multiple artists, dancers and musicians, with virtuoso cellist Tina Guo opening the show, accompanied by a troupe of backing dancers, followed by a live performance of the official song of the Esports World Cup, Til My Fingers Bleed, featuring K-pop star Dino of SEVENTEEN, US rapper Duckwrth, and Telle Smith of metalcore band, The Word Alive. The star attraction was a headline performance from Post Malone, before the teams were introduced, then Swedish DJ Alesso closed out the show, welcoming cellist Guo back to the stage to perform a euphoric rendition of their instrumental song, Ascension.
Photos: CTME
