Behind the Spectacle: How Creative Technology's Cutting-Edge Technology Powered the EWC Opening Ceremony

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — When Post Malone and Alesso took the stage at the EWC Opening Ceremony in ANB Arena on July 10th, audiences witnessed more than just stellar musical performances. Behind the dazzling visual spectacle lay a technical marvel that pushed the boundaries of live entertainment technology across the GCC region. Creative Technology, working alongside industry leaders TAIT and MDLBeast, orchestrated a comprehensive system that transformed ambitious creative concepts into breathtaking reality. The result was a ceremony that set new standards for precision and innovation in live event production.

The technical foundation of this spectacular event rested on three core elements: an expansive LED installation, sophisticated projection mapping, and an intricate lighting system that worked in perfect harmony to create an immersive experience for audiences.

The keystone of the visual experience was an expansive LED installation covering over 388 square meters. The stage floor comprised 195 square meters of ROE Black Marble 4.76 mm panels, chosen for their glass finish that provided clean, high-contrast surfaces ideal for camera capture and scenic reflections. Above, the triangular-shaped structure, which included 121 square meters of ROE Vanish 8T panels, created a lightweight overhead display that could be seamlessly integrated into the venue’s automated ceiling system.

This dual-layer approach allowed for unprecedented creative flexibility. The floor panels could mirror and complement the overhead displays, creating immersive environments that surrounded performers and audience alike. The technical team’s choice of materials proved crucial; the Vanish V8T’s lightweight construction enabled efficient rigging and motion control, essential for the dynamic overhead automation system.

Behind this visual symphony lay sophisticated processing architecture that demanded precision and reliability. Managing the massive LED installation required sophisticated processing power. Two NovaStar H9 processors and Brompton SX40 systems handled LED processing. All screen routing and composition were managed through an Analog Way Aquilon RS4, which enabled dynamic, multi-layered control across all display surfaces. The system’s backbone consisted of seven Disguise VX4+ media servers, each connected through 100-gigabit DAC cables to distribute content, supported by two Arista 100-gigabit switches.

Complementing the LED installation, the scenic projection system transformed the physical architecture into a canvas for dynamic storytelling. The scenic projection system transformed handmade irregular triangle structures into dynamic mountain landscapes within the large arena setting. Panasonic RQ50K projectors, each providing 50,000 lumens of meticulously color-calibrated output, were strategically positioned to cover the custom-fabricated geometric surfaces created by Simple Solutions. These projectors were selected for their outstanding color accuracy and superior performance in large-scale, high-brightness applications.

The complex geometric mapping required for the irregular triangle structures demanded individual calibration of each projection zone to seamlessly blend scenic content across the handcrafted mountain topology. Visual Noise oversaw the complete video engineering workflow, bringing their expertise in detailed execution, pixel-perfect accuracy, and advanced video technology implementation. Their involvement established this project as a new standard for precision and innovation in scenic projection.

The final element in this technical trinity was a lighting system that brought depth and atmosphere to the entire production. Creative Technology’s Lighting team was commissioned to realize the stunning lighting design crafted by 22 Degrees’ Jon Kusner. The main lighting rig comprised over 1,500 fixtures from various manufacturers, including 200 Elation Proteus Maximus, 182 Elation Pulse Panel FX, 111 GLP Impression X4 Bar 20, 191 Elation Pulse Bar L, and 83 Ayrton Argo 6 FX fixtures.

Supporting this extensive setup required a sophisticated networking infrastructure featuring over 250 active universes and approximately 120,000 active parameters. The backbone consisted of 15 Luminex GigaCore 20T switches operating on 10 Gb links for seamless data transfer, complemented by over 60 Luminode 12s and 100 Lumisplit 2.10 units for signal distribution. Eight GrandMA3 NPU L units were integrated into the network to provide enhanced processing power and system redundancy.

The control system featured a dual-setup monitoring configuration with Araneo and an active GrandMA3 license. All fixtures and followspot control systems were IP-streamed to the front-of-house position, enabling Will Gossett from 22 Degrees to efficiently call and manage followspots through integrated IP cameras and RoboSpot stations from Robe. Eleven interconnected RoboSpot control stations facilitated precise remote operation capabilities.

Through extensive planning and close collaboration with TAIT, the production team integrated 200 meters of Martin‘s Sceptron LED into the set design. This integration achieved full control over the lighting elements using the Martin P3 System, operated seamlessly via the GrandMA3 console for unified show control.

Before on-site installation, Ryan Tanker and Kirk Miller utilized our Depence R4 previsualization suite to simulate the show, allowing for accurate programming in advance. This pre-programming process significantly reduced on-site programming time, ensuring the team was rehearsal-ready and the show executed flawlessly.

The lighting rig not only supported the creative vision but was engineered for reliability, scalability, and flawless execution during live performances.

The seamless integration of these three technological pillars, from LED displays to projection mapping and lighting, created an environment where creative vision met technical precision. The result was not just a performance space but a transformative experience that elevated the E-sports World Cup Opening Ceremony to new heights of live entertainment excellence, establishing a new benchmark for large-scale productions in the region that aligns with the goal of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Vision 2030.

Massive thanks to MDLBEAST for their trust in Creative Technology, to TAIT for the BOH operations and technical stage production, and to the brilliant creatives: POSSIBLE Productions for creative lead, Visual Noise for video design, 22 Degrees for lighting, and Wieder Design Studios for set design.