The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has unveiled “Til My Fingers Bleed” as the official Song of the Year for Esports World Cup 2025. More than just a track, the announcement marks the heartbeat of what promises to be a groundbreaking Opening Ceremony on 10 July in Riyadh, where music, culture, and competition come together on a global stage.
Headlined by global superstar Post Malone, the ceremony will also showcase live performances by DINO of SEVENTEEN, genre-defying artist Duckwrth, and Telle Smith of The Word Alive. They’ll be joined by GRAMMY-nominated producer Alesso and renowned cellist Tina Guo, who will help bring the Esports World Cup’s musical identity to life in a night where digital dreams and human emotion converge.
A Soundtrack for the Spirit of Esports
“Til My Fingers Bleed” isn’t just a song—it’s an anthem. Blending K-pop, hip-hop, and rock, the high-energy collaboration captures the raw drive, ambition, and emotion behind the world’s largest esports event. It celebrates the rhythm of competition, the pulse of teamwork, and the shared passion of millions of players and fans across the globe.
Co-written and produced by Alex Karlsson, T.Ma, and Jared Lee (Duckwrth), the song is a testament to the deep, personal connections these artists share with gaming culture—from in-game collaborations to past esports anthems.
“This is more than just music,” said Mike McCabe, Chief Operating Officer of EWCF. “The Esports World Cup is a global celebration of community and creativity. Our official song and Opening Ceremony aren’t side shows—they define the identity of the tournament. They’re how we connect emotionally with players and fans alike.”
Music and Gaming: One Language, Many Voices
For Telle Smith, this project is deeply personal:
“Gaming has been part of my life as long as music has. To perform a genre-bending song like this on a global stage—alongside talents like Duckwrth and DINO—is surreal. I think fans worldwide will feel the energy and the heart we put into ‘Til My Fingers Bleed.’”
Ariel Horn, Executive Producer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, added:
“Every artist on this track speaks to a different corner of gaming. Whether it’s action games, sports sims, or competitive strategy titles—there’s something in this song for everyone.”
Viranda Tantula, Executive Creative Director of EWC Music, summed it up perfectly:
“Music and gaming are both universal languages. With this track, we wanted to reflect the same beautiful collision of genres and cultures that defines the Esports World Cup. We’ve poured our hearts into this.”
Now streaming on all major platforms, the song is accompanied by a cinematic visualiser and will be woven throughout the seven-week event—across broadcasts, social channels, and live performances.
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A New Era for Music in Esports
The launch of “Til My Fingers Bleed” follows April’s debut of EWC Music, a long-term creative initiative designed to give esports its own distinct sound. The journey began at Abbey Road Studios with an orchestral suite by 2WEI and Hollywood Scoring, and continued with “Ascension (Alesso Remix)”, an epic rework of the Esports World Cup’s main theme featuring Tina Guo.
Together, these tracks form a soundtrack that will elevate every moment—from opening highlights to the final trophy lift.
A Night to Remember
Post Malone’s headline performance at the Opening Ceremony will be more than a concert—it will be a tribute to gaming culture. A lifelong gamer himself, his connection to esports runs deep—from streaming Warzone and PUBG, to leading major in-game collaborations, including his recent Apex Legends crossover.
Meanwhile, each Song of the Year artist has already made waves in gaming soundtracks. Duckwrth’s “Start a Riot” lit up Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and The Word Alive’s “RISE” remains a beloved League of Legends Worlds anthem, now streamed over 300 million times.
The World Is Watching
Esports World Cup 2025 will unite more than 2,000 elite players from over 100 countries, representing 200 Clubs across 25 tournaments and 24 titles—competing for a record-breaking $70 million prize pool, the largest in esports history.
Tickets for the Opening Ceremony and full tournament are now available at esportsworldcup.com.
To stay updated, follow the Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn, and don’t miss Esports World Cup: Level Up, the five-part documentary directed by Emmy Award-winner R.J. Cutler, now streaming on Prime Video.
This summer, music meets mastery. Emotion meets ambition. And the world meets at the Esports World Cup 2025.