The Esports World Cup 2025 Launches in Riyadh with Historic Prize Pool and Elite Competition
The Esports World Cup 2025 Kicks Off in Riyadh
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially inaugurated the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, an event celebrated as the world's largest esports and gaming festival. Spanning seven weeks until August 24, the tournament showcases an incredible array of over 2,000 elite players competing across 25 tournaments in 24 leading titles. With a staggering prize pool exceeding $70 million, the EWC redefines competitive gaming, solidifying its reputation as an unprecedented extravaganza in the esports arena.
A Grand Ceremony and Star-Studded Line-Up
The event kicked off with a sensational Opening Ceremony, featuring world-renowned entertainers such as Post Malone, DINO of SEVENTEEN, and Alesso, setting the tone for an exhilarating summer filled with competitive action and entertainment.
As a pioneer in the esports world, the EWC 2025 combines players and clubs in a cross-title format, making it distinct. The highlight is the EWC Club Championship, where clubs compete for points across multiple games, aiming for the top title and a substantial $7 million grand prize, along with lifting the coveted EWC trophy. The total prize pot incorporates $38 million earmarked for individual game championships, $5 million for global qualifiers, and $450,000 in MVP bonuses.
HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, expressed pride in hosting such a monumental event, emphasizing the significance of the EWC in paving the way for the future of esports. He highlighted the substantial effort toward creating a sustainable esports ecosystem, aligning with broader goals under Vision 2030.
Ralf Reichert, CEO of EWCF, noted that the event is about unifying the gaming world—bringing together iconic games, elite players, and millions of fans. By leveraging innovative global broadcasts, the tournament aims to recreate how esports is experienced worldwide, and with a landmark 7,000 hours of live content, it stands only second to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in global sports history.
Global Broadcast and Digital Engagement
To maximize reach, EWC 2025 will be broadcast in 35 languages across 140 countries, thanks to partnerships with over 90 global media platforms including FOX Sports (US), DAZN, Eurosport, and NAVER (South Korea). Additionally, popular streaming channels like Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok will host live streams of all competitions, further ensuring that fans can enjoy the action from anywhere in the world.
A flagship broadcast series, EWC Spotlight, launched in collaboration with IMG, promises to engage audiences with over 50 hours of fresh live content, merging esports with pop culture and exclusive interviews. This initiative aims to provide a robust platform for fans to engage with the event beyond just gameplay.
The spotlight event commenced on July 10, featuring dazzling performances interlaced with high-octane gaming action. This unique blend illustrates the merging worlds of sports entertainment and gaming, hosted by popular figures including Hugh Woozencroft and Rachel Stringer. Not forgetting, the premier episode had several standout performances, including the debut of the 2025 Esports World Cup Song of the Year: “Til My Fingers Bleed.”
A Citywide Celebration
Beyond the matches and broadcasts, Riyadh will transform into a gaming culture hub over the summer. The EWC Festival will host community tournaments and fan-based activations, ensuring an atmosphere of celebration for gaming enthusiasts beyond the competitive aspects.
This year, global icons Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen are stepping in as Global Ambassadors, each bringing their unique legacy to the forefront. Carlsen is set to compete in the inaugural EWC Chess Tournament, further merging the realms of traditional and digital sports. Ronaldo's involvement emphasizes the EWC's mission to bridge the worlds of sports and esports through shared values of dedication and community.
Looking to the Future
The Esports World Cup 2025 stands as a testament to the evolution of competitive gaming. Spanning titles like Apex Legends, Call of Duty, League of Legends, and many others, it hosts a platform where players can thrive and new champions can arise. The event is backed by prominent partners across the globe, setting the stage for what promises to be the most significant chapter in esports history.
For fans eager to follow the action and delve deeper into the competitive landscape, more information and schedules can be found at esportsworldcup.com. Join the conversation and excitement on social platforms to witness this groundbreaking cultural phenomenon.