Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh: Everything You Need to Know

The Esports World Cup 2025 returns to Riyadh from July 7 to August 24, featuring a record-breaking $70 million prize pool, 25 tournaments across 24 games, and participation from over 2,000 players and 200 clubs.

Organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) and ESL FACEIT Group, this event cements Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for competitive gaming while driving sustainable growth in the esports industry.

Event Overview: Largest Multi-Title Competition in History

The 2025 edition expands on its predecessor with seven weeks of elite competition across genres like MOBA, FPS, and fighting games.

New additions include VALORANT, chess, and FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, attracting diverse audiences. Riyadh’s Boulevard City will host live matches, qualifiers, and the New Global Sport Conference, uniting 1,500 industry leaders to shape esports’ future.

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Record-Breaking Prize Pool and Financial Impact

With a $70+ million prize pool-$10 million higher than 2024-the EWC 2025 offers life-changing earnings for players and clubs. Key allocations include:

$27 million for the Club Championship, rewarding cross-game consistency.

$38 million split across individual game tournaments.

$7 million for the championship-winning club, up from 2024’s top prize.

This financial commitment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to diversify its economy and establish Riyadh as a gaming powerhouse.

Tournament Structure and Schedule

The schedule emphasizes mobile gaming (e.g., PUBG Mobile) and legacy titles like DOTA 2, catering to both casual viewers and hardcore fans.

Club Championship: Rewarding Cross-Game Excellence

Clubs earn points based on tournament placements, with the top 16 splitting $27 million. To qualify, teams must:

Publicly declare eligible games by May 15, 2025.

Avoid joint ventures (e.g., shared rosters between organizations).

Secure at least one tournament win for championship eligibility.

Defending champions Team Falcons and runners-up Team Liquid return, using 2024 winnings to expand into new games and regions.

Strategic Partnerships and Industry Growth

The EWCF Club Program provides six-figure annual payouts to 40 partnered organizations, fostering stability in roster-building and fan engagement.

Publishers like Riot Games and Ubisoft leverage the EWC as a mid-season checkpoint for their esports circuits, with events like VALORANT and Rainbow Six Siege X serving as qualifiers for global championships.

Attendance and Global Viewership

Following 2024’s 2.6 million live attendees and 500 million online viewers, 2025 tickets are available for individual tournaments or all-access passes.

The New Global Sport Conference (August 23–24) will close the event, featuring panels on AI integration, blockchain in gaming, and Saudi Arabia’s $1 billion gaming GDP target by 2033.

Why the EWC Matters for Esports?

• Economic Catalyst: Direct investments in prize pools and infrastructure create long-term career opportunities for players.

• Cultural Shift: Saudi Arabia’s focus on gaming visas and education programs legitimizes esports as a professional path for Arab youth.

• Innovation Showcase: Events like Rennsport R1 (sim racing) and chess blend traditional sports with esports, broadening audience appeal

The Esports World Cup 2025 isn’t just a tournament-it’s a strategic milestone for global gaming. By combining unmatched prize pools, diverse game lineups, and Saudi Arabia’s economic vision, Riyadh solidifies its role in shaping esports’ future.