The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced that American music artist Post Malone will headline the Opening Ceremony of the Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC 2025). The event is set to take place on 10 July 2025 in Riyadh, marking the start of a seven-week tournament that combines gaming, music, and culture on what is being described as the world’s largest esports stage.

Post Malone, a nine-time diamond-certified artist, is known also for his presence in the gaming community. He has streamed titles such as Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG, and Hunt: Showdown on Twitch. He has also worked with game developers on in-game events, including a recent collaboration with Apex Legends. His live performance is expected to blend his music with a celebration of gaming culture as the Esports World Cup begins.

Mike McCabe, Chief Operating Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, commented: “Esports is becoming a global cultural force – where music, storytelling, and competition converge to create moments that are not just seen, but felt. With Post Malone, a global artist and true gamer, opening the tournament, we continue to celebrate the power of music – a universal language that brings fans together and defines the cultural future of esports.”

Ariel Horn, Executive Producer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, added: “This year’s Opening Ceremony will deliver a fresh take on the classic story of ambition, resilience and progress, told through the lens of EWC. It’s exciting and new. So many game genres converging on one global stage, the music fuels the competitive fire at the heart of this event and this industry, and Post Malone is the perfect voice to carry that passion and celebrate the beginning of an historic event.”

The announcement follows the introduction of EWC Music, a long-term initiative aimed at establishing music as a core part of the Esports World Cup’s cultural experience. The initiative seeks to connect global audiences through original scores, artist collaborations, and fan-focused soundtracks designed to enhance the competition’s emotional impact.

Further details regarding additional artists, performances, and collaborations as part of the EWC Music programme are expected in the weeks ahead.