Esports, or electronic sports, refers to professional competitive video gaming where individuals or teams compete in organized tournaments or leagues. What began as niche community events has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry. The rise of games like Dota 2, Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Valorant has attracted millions of fans globally, with livestreamed events drawing audiences comparable to traditional sports.

With massive stadiums, celebrity endorsements, brand sponsorships, and international teams, esports is no longer just a subculture—it’s mainstream global entertainment. As nations recognize the influence of this industry, events like the Esports World Cup 2025 represent not only gaming milestones but also cultural and political statements.

Background of the Esports World Cup

The Esports World Cup (EWC) is a global gaming spectacle organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), a nonprofit backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Created as the spiritual successor to Gamers8, EWC aims to be the most prestigious multi-title esports tournament globally.

The 2025 edition is particularly significant as it aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework aiming to diversify the country’s economy and transform it into a cultural and entertainment hub.

Set in Riyadh from July 8 to August 24, 2025, this event hosts:

• Over 2,000 players

• Representing 200 clubs

• From more than 100 countries

With a record-breaking prize pool and participation across the most competitive gaming titles, the Esports World Cup 2025 is expected to redefine the standards of international esports.

Format of the Esports World Cup 2025

The EWC structure is thoughtfully designed to reward consistency, strategy, and versatility among clubs. It has two main segments:

1. Club Championship

The Club Championship is the core of EWC. It's a multi-title, team-based contest where esports clubs earn points based on their performance across various titles.

Key Details:

• Only the top 24 clubs win from a $27 million (approx. ₹225 crore) prize pool.

• A club must finish top-8 in at least two events and win one to qualify.

• Scoring is based on cross-title achievements, encouraging all-round gaming excellence.

This segment is designed to reflect true organizational strength—rewarding not just individual player skill but team-wide planning and depth across multiple games.

2. Club Partner Program

Launched by EWCF, this initiative supports clubs through operational funding and incentives.

Key Benefits:

• Annual six-figure funding (USD) to selected clubs.

• Additional bonuses based on performance in the EWC.

• Strengthens club infrastructure, branding, and talent acquisition.

This program ensures financial sustainability for clubs and encourages long-term planning rather than one-off tournament wins.

Club Partner Program – 40 Official Clubs

These 40 clubs are officially part of the 2025 EWCF Club Partner Program (each receiving support and eligible for the Club Championship):

• North America:

  • 100 Thieves, Cloud9, FaZe Clan, Sentinels

• Europe:

  • Fnatic, G2 Esports, HEROIC, MOUZ, NAVI, Team BDS, Team Vitality, Virtus.pro 

• Latin America:

  • FURIA, Karmine Corp, Leviatán, LOUD, Movistar KOI

• Asia & Pacific:

  • S8UL Esports, EVOS, Gen.G, Gentle Mates, ONIC, REJECT, T1, Team Falcons, Team RRQ, Team Secret, Team Spirit, Twisted Minds, ZETA DIVISION 

S8UL’s historic run at the Esports World Cup 2025 is inspiring a new generation—read the full story here.

• China:

  • All Gamers, Bilibili Gaming, Edward Gaming, JD Gaming, Weibo Gaming, Wolves Esports, Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP.eStar)

• Middle East:

  • POWR

Visit the official Esports World Cup website for schedules, updates, and tournament details.

Complete Calendar of Esports World Cup 2025

The EWC spans over seven weeks with 26 official events across 25 titles. Here's the detailed schedule with prize money:

Notable Mentions:

• Valorant and Naraka: Bladepoint are also featured but not included in the Club Championship scoring.

• Chess joins the esports ecosystem officially, with a hefty $1.5 million prize.

• GeoGuessr withdrew from the event due to unknown reasons.

Prize Pool – Breaking Records

The Esports World Cup 2025 offers the largest prize pool in esports history, totalling $70.45 million (approx. ₹585 crore).

Prize Breakdown:

This prize distribution not only promotes high competition but also encourages grassroots development through qualifier support.

Club Championship prize money distribution

Reception & Global Impact

The 2025 Esports World Cup received widespread acclaim for elevating competitive gaming to new heights, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. Its massive prize pool and club-based format marked a significant step in legitimizing esports as a global sporting phenomenon.

Positive Highlights:

• Scale & Prestige: The EWC is now the largest, most organized esports competition globally.

• Cultural Legitimization: Including chess and traditional strategy games bridges the gap between classic and modern competitive gaming.

• Global Diversity: Over 100 countries participating increases regional representation and visibility.

• Celebrity Influence: Ambassadors like Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen add credibility and global attention.

Criticisms and Controversies:

Despite its scale and excitement, the event is not without controversy. Critics argue the event is part of a sportswashing effort by Saudi Arabia, attempting to deflect attention from human rights issues through global entertainment ventures.

Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have raised concerns over the Saudi government’s involvement in global sports and esports.

Nonetheless, the Esports World Cup continues to receive robust corporate and fan backing, suggesting its growing importance in the industry.

Notes – Esports World Cup 2025

Scoring & Tiebreakers

• Events without tiebreakers:
     • 3rd–4th place teams earn 500 points
     • 5th–8th place teams earn 200 points
   (for Club Championship standings)

Club Partner Program

• Clubs were selected based on Top 8 finish in the 2024 Club Championship.

Naming & Organizational Notes

• Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) compete as "NIP.Estar", due to NIP Group’s ownership of Estar Pro.

• All Gamers (AG) appear as "AG.AL Esports International", covering All Gamers China, Global, and Anyone’s Legend (LoL).

Game-Specific Notes

• Apex Legends: ALGS Year 5 Midseason Playoffs (part of Apex Legends Global Series)

• Chess: Replaces Champions Chess Tour 2025 Finals

• CrossFire: Replaces CrossFire Stars Summer Championship 2025

• Dota 2: Not called Riyadh Masters but part of the ESL Pro Tour

• EA Sports FC 25: Known as FC Pro World Championship 2025

• Free Fire: Part of Free Fire World Series (FFWS)

• Honor of Kings: Officially titled Honor of Kings World Cup 2025

• Valorant: Not sponsored by Riot Games, but officially sanctioned

• MLBB – Men: MLBB Mid Season Cup 2025

• MLBB – Women: MLBB Women's Invitational 2025

• Naraka: Bladepoint: Midseason Championship 2025
     • Not counted in Club Championship standings
     • Separate Solos and Trios tournaments

• Overwatch 2: OWCS Midseason Championship 2025 (part of OWCS)

• PUBG: Battlegrounds: Included in PUBG Global Championship (PGC)

• PUBG Mobile: PUBG Mobile World Cup 2025 (part of PMGC)

• Rennsport: Part of the Rennsport R1 Circuit

• Rocket League: Not endorsed by Psyonix; titled Esports World Cup: Featuring Rocket League

• Street Fighter 6: Part of the Capcom Pro Tour

• Teamfight Tactics (TFT): Features 4-player team format, not standard 1v1

Visit the official Esports World Cup website for schedules, updates, and tournament details.

Final Thoughts

The Esports World Cup 2025 is more than just a tournament—it's a landmark moment in the evolution of digital sports. With a structure designed to empower clubs, a staggering prize pool, and an international scope, it’s set to raise the bar for esports events worldwide.

As esports continues to intersect with mainstream sports, politics, and culture, the EWC is a clear indication of its unstoppable momentum. Whether you’re a gamer, investor, or spectator, this is a moment in history worth watching.