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Indian sports broadcaster Star Sports Network has secured broadcasting rights for the Esports World Cup, a multi-title event organised by the Esports World Cup Foundation.

As a result of the deal, the event will be streamed on the Star Sports YouTube channel alongside the Star Sports First and Star Sports 2 television channels.

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According to a release, Star Sports will broadcast eight of the 21 tournaments taking place as part of the Esports World Cup in English and Hindi. The titles selected include Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, EA Sports FC 24 and Call of Duty: Warzone.

The Star Sports Network is no stranger to the world of esports broadcasting. In 2022, the network marked its entrance into the industry in collaboration with NODWIN Gaming to show coverage of the Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) Masters series.

The Esports World Cup commences on July 3rd and runs until August 25th. The event is set to be the largest esports and gaming event ever to take place and will be hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Star Sports joins an extensive list of partners for the event, joining the likes of sportswear brand Adidas and short-form video platform TikTok supporting the event.

Vikram Passi, Head of Marketing for Sports at Disney Star, spoke on the deal: “Esports is rapidly emerging as a significant force, fuelled by India’s burgeoning gaming culture and its recognition on the global stage.

“With the upcoming Esports World Cup broadcast, we aim to expand our audience base, energize the gaming community, and foster greater acceptance of Esports among non-gamers. This event will not only captivate dedicated Esports enthusiasts but also engage a younger demographic across our platforms, driving a broader appreciation for the competitive gaming landscape.”

Despite the Esports World Cup Foundation attracting a vast partnership portfolio, the event has faced criticism from organisations and the community due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.