By HQ
The Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC) a sold-out Opening Ceremony at the ANB Arena in Riyadh’s Boulevard City, and it was a night to remember. Global music icon Post Malone not only headlined the show but also stepped into the world of competitive gaming, taking on APEX Legends — one of the top esports games — in a thrilling exhibition match against a team of e-gaming legends. In an exciting finish, Post Malone’s team won, proving that music and gaming can collide in spectacular ways.
The evening began with Post Malone performing his hit “Circles” and other fan favorites, marking the perfect start to the seven-week global celebration of esports and gaming.
Accompanied by massive LED visuals, dramatic lighting, and world-class production, Malone set the tone for an unforgettable night. The Opening Ceremony also featured the live debut of “Til My Fingers Bleed,” the official Song of the Year for EWC 2025, performed by DINO of SEVENTEEN, Duckwrth, and Telle Smith of The Word Alive. The genre-blending track, combining K-pop, hip-hop, and rock, captured the ambition, energy, and excitement of the world’s premier esports event.
After the music, the focus shifted to the esports showcase. Post Malone faced off against iiTzTimmy (Timothy An, Apex Legends rising star), ClaraAtWork (Clara Gomez), John “hAKIS” Håkansson (APEX IGL), Maxwell Elliot Dent (“Maxwell”), and Apex legend Genburten in a friendly yet competitive exhibition match. Thousands of fans watched in the arena while millions tuned in online. The game ended with Post Malone’s team emerging victorious, a surprise moment that delighted both music and gaming audiences.
“This is such a unique moment for esports,” said iiTzTimmy. “Seeing someone like Post Malone not only perform music but also play our game and win shows how big this community is getting. It’s inspiring for gamers everywhere.”
The Opening Ceremony, produced by award-winning executive producer Ariel Horn and creative director Viranda Tantula, was designed to reflect the EWC’s story — the stakes, the competitors, the fans, and the thrill of the climb to the top. A 40-meter mountain stage, tiered ramps, flown LED ceiling, and immersive augmented reality visuals created a larger-than-life experience. Celebrity guests, including Tyler1, Osi Umenyiora, Magnus Carlsen, Karry Wang, and professional gamer Arslan Ash, attended the red carpet, demonstrating EWC’s growing status as a global intersection of music, sport, and gaming culture.
“Esports is growing faster than ever, and events like EWC show the power of gaming as entertainment,” said Mike McCabe, COO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “Post Malone taking on Apex Legends legends reflects how music and esports can converge to inspire fans and build community around creativity and competition.”
The night was a perfect example of how esports and music can merge for global audiences, highlighting the energy, culture, and talent that define the EWC. Post Malone not only delivered a show-stopping music performance but also became part of esports history by stepping into the game and coming out victorious — a moment fans will be talking about for years.