The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced the renewal of its partnership with Albaik for a second consecutive year, aimed at enriching the experience of both visitors and players participating in the Esports World Cup (EWC). With a deep-rooted history in Saudi Arabia since 1974, Albaik will continue supporting the Kingdom’s gaming and esports sector through this prestigious partnership, aligned with its broader mission to empower youth and foster local talent in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

This partnership is built on a shared commitment to the future – bringing diverse entertainment offerings to the largest esports and gaming event in history. With audiences attending from across the globe, EWC 2025 offers visitors an exciting mix of competitive matches, immersive experiences and cultural programming.

Albaik’s continued involvement in EWC 2025 reflects its long-standing commitment to social, sporting and economic development in the Kingdom. It also reinforces the company’s belief that meaningful community impact is a core part of doing business – a principle that shapes its contributions to national development and youth empowerment.

Returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 to August 24, 2025, the Esports World Cup will unite global gaming communities for a celebration of esports culture. With 25 tournaments across 24 games, 2000 elite players and 200 Clubs from over 100 countries, the EWC will feature the largest prize pool in esports history, over $70 million. Fans can expect exclusive experiences, from high-stakes competition to live music, anime cafes, retro arcades, cosplay and more, drawing millions of fans online and in person.

Advertisement

OPAP announced the appointment of Nikos Fligos as Chief Executive Officer of Stoiximan. Since November 2024, Nikos Fligos has been serving as Managing Director of Stoiximan.

Previously, he held the position of Commercial Director at Kaizen Gaming from 2022. He has over 20 years of experience in senior leadership roles, having previously served as Director of Commercial Operations at Papastratos S.A., and holding senior managerial positions at prominent Greek and multinational enterprises, including Coca-Cola HBC and Diageo PLC.

Mr. Fligos succeeds George Daskalakis, who steps down as Stoiximan’s CEO. As a co-founder of Stoiximan, Mr. Daskalakis played a pivotal role in order for the company to gain a leading position in the online gaming markets of Greece and Cyprus.

Evoplay, the award-winning game development studio, has launched Belfry Bliss Hold and Win, a fiery 5×3 slot that blends retro-inspired visuals with a darker twist on the fan-favourite Hold and Win mechanic.

Set against a backdrop of flames and ringing bells, the game reintroduces Evoplay’s mischievous Devil character, not as a foe, but as a Wild symbol, lighting the way to potential wins. Classic slot icons like sevens, bars and cherries return, but the real action begins when the bells drop.

Landing six or more bonus symbols triggers the Hold and Win Bonus Game, initiating three spins, where the goal is to collect 15 special symbols to win the ULTRA jackpot, offering 1,000x the bet.

Additionally, the title comes with two smaller jackpots, SUPER and MINOR, adding to the excitement and win potential.

Advertisement

For those eager to jump straight into the action, a Bonus Buy feature provides direct access to the Bonus Game.

With its bold design, atmospheric soundtrack and fast-paced gameplay, Belfry Bliss Hold and Win adds a distinctive edge to Evoplay’s growing Hold and Win portfolio.

Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “Belfry Bliss Hold and Win takes the familiar charm of classic slots and turns up the heat. We’ve given it a bold, fiery personality that blends nostalgia with a darker, more playful twist.

“The Hold and Win mechanic coupled with the three jackpots takes this game to the next level, with all features designed to keep the energy high and the experience engaging.”