The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced that the 2025 edition of the Esports World Cup (EWC) will feature a record prize pool exceeding $70 million. Scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 to August 24, the event marks a $10 million increase from the inaugural edition held in 2024. The announcement reflects the EWCF's continued efforts to support the long-term development of the esports industry by providing competitive opportunities and financial stability for players and organizations.
Esports World Cup To Have $70 Million Prize Pool
Esports World Cup $70 million prize pool
The 2025 Esports World Cup will feature 25 tournaments across 24 game titles and will host more than 2,000 players and 200 clubs from around the world. The prize pool structure begins with $27 million allocated to the EWC Club Championship. This format, unique to the Esports World Cup, ranks clubs based on their cumulative performance across multiple games. The winning club in 2025 will receive $7 million, with the remaining prize money in this category distributed among the top 16 clubs.
Individual game competitions account for over $38 million of the total pool. A separate $450,000 has been designated for Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, recognizing standout individual performances throughout the tournament. More than $5 million will flow through the "Road to EWC" qualifiers, which allow teams and players to earn spots in the main event through partnered competitions with publishers and tournament organizers.
Esports World Cup To Have $70 Million Prize Pool
Riyadh's role in global esports
Riyadh continues to establish itself as a significant location in the global esports ecosystem. The 2024 Esports World Cup drew over 500 million online viewers and 2.6 million attendees to Boulevard City. While the decision to host the event in Saudi Arabia remains a subject of discussion among international audiences, the scale and scope of the 2025 edition highlight the country's growing influence in the gaming and esports sectors.
The 2024 Club Championship was won by Team Falcons, a Saudi-based organization that earned 5,665 points through consistent top-three placements across various games. Their performance secured them the $7 million grand prize. Team Liquid of North America finished second, and Team BDS from France placed third. Team Falcons' CEO, Mosaad Al-Dossary, has stated that the home crowd's support played a significant role in their success, and the momentum from last year has helped the team prepare for another competitive run in 2025.
Team Liquid's leadership highlighted the impact of the 2024 event on their strategic expansion. The organization used its prize earnings to enter new games such as chess and to grow its presence in Southeast Asia, while also supporting philanthropic activities. Their goal for 2025 is to build on these gains and contend for the championship title.
Esports World Cup To Have $70 Million Prize Pool
Game lineup and major industry partnerships
EWC 2025 will feature a diverse range of titles, including traditional competitive mainstays and newly added games. Confirmed titles include Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Call of Duty: Warzone, Chess, Counter-Strike 2, Crossfire, Dota 2, EA Sports FC 25, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, Free Fire, Honor of Kings, League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Overwatch 2, PUBG: Battlegrounds, PUBG Mobile, Rainbow Six Siege, Rennsport, Rocket League, StarCraft II, Street Fighter 6, Teamfight Tactics, and Valorant.
The EWCF has secured long-term agreements with game publishers such as Riot Games, Activision, and Capcom. These partnerships aim to enhance the structure and stability of existing esports circuits and strengthen the connection between regional competitions and the Esports World Cup. By aligning with major publishers, the EWCF supports a broader pathway for players to reach the world stage and reinforces the ecosystem around competitive gaming.
Valorant Logo and Key Art
Club Partner Program and strategic growth
The EWCF has expanded its Club Partner Program to include 40 leading organizations from across the esports landscape. Participants include globally recognized names such as 100 Thieves, Cloud9, G2 Esports, FaZe Clan, T1, NAVI, and Team Vitality. The program provides financial assistance and operational support designed to help clubs grow their brand presence, fan engagement, and international reach. The initiative represents an ongoing investment in creating more sustainable career paths for players and a stronger foundation for clubs operating at the highest level of competition.
In parallel with the final weekend of the Esports World Cup, the New Global Sport Conference will return to Riyadh on August 23 and 24. The event will bring together 1,500 leaders and decision-makers from esports, traditional sports, gaming, technology, and entertainment. The conference is designed to foster dialogue around the future of global sports, innovation, and cross-industry collaboration. More information on the event is available at newglobalsportconference.com.
Looking ahead to EWC 2025
The Esports World Cup 2025 continues to position itself as a major milestone in the global esports calendar. Through its expanded prize pool, broad game selection, and deepening industry partnerships, the event demonstrates a continued effort to strengthen the foundation of the esports ecosystem. By providing opportunities for players, clubs, publishers, and fans, the EWCF aims to ensure that the competitive scene remains sustainable and inclusive for years to come.
