Global gaming opening ceremony
Client:
MDLBeast
E-Sports World Cup Opening Ceremony marked the launch of a major international competitive gaming tournament, bringing together live performance, broadcast and large scale production within a high profile arena environment.
Held at ANB Arena in Riyadh, the ceremony welcomed international audiences, professional players, broadcast partners and event stakeholders for a globally focused live event experience. The production combined entertainment, music, ceremony content and broadcast presentation within a fast paced live environment designed to support both in venue audiences and international viewers.
The event formed part of a wider tournament programme, positioning Riyadh as a global destination for competitive gaming and live entertainment. Multiple operational areas operated simultaneously throughout the venue, supporting live production, broadcast activity, competitor operations and guest experience within the arena footprint.
Number of attendees
6,000
at
E-Sports World Cup Opening Ceremony
Services
provided
Overlay & Site Management
- Infrastructure scheduling & procurement
- On-site supplier & logistics management
- Budget variance management
- Provision of experts to manage waste and recycling, power, plumbing, plant
Site Design
- Budget & efficiency tracking
- Site feasibility studies
- Site surveys (incl drone + topographical)
our role
Years worked: 2025
Special Projects was contracted by MDLBeast to provide site management for the back of house areas of the event within the arena environment. The brief required the planning, procurement and delivery of all temporary back of house infrastructure, while coordinating closely with front of house operations managed by separate delivery teams.
The project required infrastructure solutions to support a wide range of operational stakeholders including production, broadcast, performers, artists, competitors, venue operations and event staff, all operating simultaneously within a live venue environment. This included the coordination of operational compounds, technical support areas, catering and welfare facilities, logistics routes, storage areas and supporting utilities across the site footprint.
Due to the fast paced delivery programme and evolving operational requirements, the brief also required continuous coordination between stakeholders to manage layout changes, access requirements and infrastructure adjustments throughout the build. All works needed to be delivered within the physical constraints of the arena while maintaining safe movement, operational functionality and programme efficiency across multiple concurrent workstreams.
Special Projects was responsible for ensuring infrastructure delivery remained aligned with the wider event programme, supporting both live event operations and the transition into incoming venue activity following the event.
