Seven Network has taken a bold step by securing the rights to stream the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC 2025) on their platform, 7plus Sport. The tournament, set in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, boasts a massive prize pool of US$70 million and features over 2,000 players competing across 24 popular gaming titles. This move signifies Seven’s re-entry into the esports arena, following their previous venture with the short-lived gaming brand, screenPLAY, in 2018.
Jordan King, Seven’s National Digital Sales Director, emphasized the network’s commitment to engaging new audiences and delivering relevant content to an evolving digital landscape. By tapping into the esports market, Seven aims to attract a younger demographic, with an average audience age of 26 years old, compared to 37 for the NBA. This strategic move not only diversifies Seven’s viewer base but also opens up opportunities for cross-promotion and introducing new content to their VOD catalogue.
While Seven understands the potential of esports in driving viewership, they remain realistic about the event’s initial scope, focusing on the 7plus Sports streaming service rather than free-to-air channels. The decision to stream the EWC 2025 aligns with Seven’s goal of exploring innovative ways to connect with a broader audience and differentiate their programming offerings.
Media buyers have shown positive interest in Seven’s esports initiative, recognizing the appeal of engaging with a growing segment of viewers interested in competitive gaming. The network’s decision to broadcast the EWC 2025 opening ceremony, featuring a performance by Post Malone, highlights their commitment to providing unique and diverse content experiences.
Seven’s re-entry into esports in 2025 reflects the industry’s evolution and the mainstream acceptance of competitive gaming as a significant entertainment platform. With a global esports audience exceeding 500 million, the Esports World Cup has become a cornerstone event, attracting enthusiasts from around the world and showcasing top-tier gaming talent.
Mike McCabe, Chief Operating Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, expressed excitement about partnering with Seven to bring the tournament to Australian audiences, emphasizing the growing global community surrounding esports. The inclusion of teams from the Asia-Pacific region adds a local touch to the international spectacle, further enhancing the event’s appeal to viewers.
By streaming the Esports World Cup 2025 on 7plus Sport, Seven Network aims to capitalize on the rising popularity of esports and engage with a younger, tech-savvy audience. This strategic move not only expands Seven’s content portfolio but also positions the network at the forefront of digital entertainment trends, setting the stage for potential future esports programming and collaborations.
📰 Related Articles
- Thai ACT Esports Club Qualifies for Honour of Kings World Cup 2025
- S8UL Signs StarCraft II Prodigy GuMiho for Esports World Cup 2025
- Naraka: Bladepoint Leads Esports World Cup Festival Lineup
- Esports World Cup in Riyadh: Record-Breaking Event Draws Global Attention
- Esports World Cup and Amazon Ads Partner for Global Expansion