{"id":12062,"date":"2025-06-02T09:16:25","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T09:16:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/?p=12062"},"modified":"2025-06-05T09:28:31","modified_gmt":"2025-06-05T09:28:31","slug":"esports-world-cup-2025-a-complete-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/esports-world-cup-2025-a-complete-guide","title":{"rendered":"Esports World Cup 2025: A Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Esports World Cup 2025 is back, and this year it\u2019s bigger and better than ever! With a record-breaking $70 million prize pool, Riyadh will once again transform into the heart of esports. We\u2019re talking 25 tournaments, thousands of players, and a single cross-title Club Championship to pull it all together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve got the lowdown on what you need to know about the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025, from tournament dates throughout July and August, to the team lineups. This is one event you won\u2019t want to miss!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

EWC 2025 will host 16 CS2 teams from August 20-24th at The Boulevard in Riyadh. Fifteen contenders will receive direct invites based on the Valve Regional Standings, and one final ticket will go to the Asian Champions League (ACL) champion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last year, NAVI<\/a> made magic happen, outplaying giants FaZe<\/a> and MOUZ<\/a> before reverse sweeping G2 Esports in an unforgettable Grand Final. This time, teams will look to do the same as they click heads for the lion\u2019s share of $1.25 million<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place your <\/em>Counter-Strike 2 bets<\/em><\/a> today!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dota 2<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dota 2 returns from July 8-19th to close out the ESL Pro Tour (EPT), bringing 16 teams to battle for a huge $3 million<\/strong> prize pool. Gaimin Gladiators are back to defend the throne, but they\u2019ll have to fend off regional powerhouses, the ACL champs, and the eight top dogs from the EPT Leaderboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It all kicks off with four groups of four in a round-robin brawl. The Top seed of the groups go right into the single-elimination Playoffs Bracket. The rest? They\u2019ll have to scrap their way through a brutal Gauntlet Bracket for the remaining four spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place your <\/em>Dota 2 bets<\/em><\/a> today!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

League Of Legends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Think the Rift\u2019s cooled off? Think again. EWC 2025 cranks up the heat from July 16-20th, with 12 League of Legends teams in the mix. Titleholders T1<\/a> are back, joined by regional beasts from the LCK, LPL, LEC, LTA, and LCP. The four MSI 2025 finalists go right to Knockouts, while the rest grind through the Group Stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From there, it\u2019s win or walk as eight teams collide in a cutthroat single-elim bracket, capped off by a Bo5 Grand Final to decide it all. With $2 million<\/strong> on the line, the road to Worlds has never felt more ruthless!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place your <\/em>LoL bets<\/em><\/a> today!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

VALORANT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After a heart-stopping Masters Toronto, VALORANT fans can look to EWC 2025 for even more action! From July 8-13th, the top two teams from the EMEA, Americas, Pacific, and China regions after Stage 1 will join eight more from the EWC qualifiers to compete for a share of a $1.25 million<\/strong> prize pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teams will be split into four groups and square off in a Swiss Bracket Group Stage. Teams that secure 2 wins before they amass 2 losses from each group will proceed to the Playoffs. As the first of four confirmed appearances at EWC and bragging rights at stake, expect no shortage of clutch plays from the game\u2019s biggest names that opt in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place your <\/em>VALORANT bets<\/em><\/a> today!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rainbow Six Siege<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rainbow Six Siege joins the EWC 2025 lineup once again from August 5-9th and so is that juicy $2 million <\/strong>prize pool. The tournament promises to be a slugfest, featuring 16 pro teams, including top-ranking contenders from the MENA, South America, North America, and Asia Pacific leagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Team BDS stole the show in 2024 with a dominant 3-0 sweep over w7m esports in the Grand Final, highlighted by mind-bending plays from MVP<\/a> LikEfac. Think that was wild? Then buckle up because EWC promises even more crazy moments this summer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place your <\/em>Rainbow Six bets<\/em><\/a> today!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honor Of Kings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s been a minute, but Honor of Kings is finally back, only this time under the World Cup banner. From July 10-26, 18 teams will fight tooth and nail for their cut of $3 million<\/strong>. Sixteen will begin in the Group Stage, while the KPL and ACL champs will skip the queue and head right into the Playoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Group winners earn a direct pass to the Playoffs; however, the runners-up will get one last shot in the Last Chance round to lock in the final spots. What happens next will set the tone for the KPL Grand Finals later this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place your <\/em>Honor of Kings bets<\/em><\/a> today!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Free Fire<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hungry for more? From July 16\u201320th, 16 of the world\u2019s best Free Fire teams will collide at EWC 2025. While the full details are still under wraps, one thing\u2019s certain: a massive $1 million<\/strong> prize pool is locked in\u2014a life-changing amount for the victors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Team Falcons<\/a> racked up 188 points in the Knockouts in 2024. After placing 7th in Points Rush, they staged the perfect comeback, surging to the top of the rankings in the Grand Finals. But was it lightning in a bottle, or can they run it back again?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mobile Legends Mid Season Cup 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The second edition of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Mid Season Cup returns to EWC 2025 from July 30th to August 2nd. It\u2019s do-or-die as 23 teams battle for a piece of a $3 million<\/strong> prize pool. It all begins with the Wildcard and Group Stages. From there, the top eight squads will converge in the Playoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the title in hand, defending champs Selangor Red Giants will face a gauntlet of challengers eager to rewrite the script. And with a single elimination Playoffs bracket, every match could be their last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mobile Legends Women\u2019s Invitational<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To support the burgeoning talent in women\u2019s esports, MLBB: Women\u2019s Invitational is back for its fourth edition, running from July 15-19th. While nothing’s set in stone yet, the tournament is confirmed to feature a $500,000 <\/strong>prize pool and is expected to follow a format similar to past years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notably, the title drew huge attention in 2024, peaking at over 256k viewers, making it the fourth most-watched women\u2019s esports event of all time. What\u2019s even more exciting is that EWC 2025 is poised to match (if not surpass) that milestone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place your <\/em>Mobile Legends: Bang Bang bets<\/em><\/a> today!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

PUBG Mobile World Cup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Did someone say winner, winner, chicken dinner? The PUBG Mobile World Cup (PMWC) returns for a second time from July 25th to August 3rd, with 24 elite squads battling it out for a massive $3 million<\/strong> prize pool. Expect top-tier talent from PMGO Uzbekistan, PMSL, PMCL, and PEL all in the mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The action unfolds across three phases: Group Stage, Survival Stage, and the Grand Finals. The top eight from Groups go right to the Grand Finals, while the other sixteen fight for their lives in the Survival Stage. From here, eight more will advance, but only one will leave as the PMWC champion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PUBG Battlegrounds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Make no mistake, EWC 2025 isn\u2019t just another mid-season pit stop. From August 12\u201316th, 24 of the world\u2019s top teams will try to shoot, smoke, and flash their way to victory, including eight direct invites via Global Power Rankings and 16 regional qualifiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The details are not finalized yet, but you can expect Match Point and SUPER formats for the Group Stage and Grand Finals. With a $2 million <\/strong>prize pool and PGS Points on the line, EWC is the perfect launchpad for teams chasing a spot at the PUBG Global Championship!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Think the CDL Playoff was the last stop? Think again. After an explosive performance in Kitchener, the Black Ops 6 spotlight shifts to the EWC 2025 from July 24\u201327th. Just like last year, 16 teams, including reigning champs Atlanta FaZe, will duke it out in four Swiss Stage Groups, Best of 5 throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From there, the top two squads from each group will go to the Bo5 single-elimination Playoffs, ending with a Bo7 Grand Final for the bulk of $1.8 million<\/strong>. Expect all your favorite CDL teams, the top three Challengers squads, and the DreamHack Dallas Open champs to be ready to make history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place your <\/em>Call of Duty bets<\/em><\/a> today!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call Of Duty: Warzone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Warzone drops into EWC 2025 from August 6-9th, turning up the heat with a massive $1 million<\/strong> prize pool on the line. Team Falcons are back, joined by 20 of the best squads from North America, Europe, APAC, the Middle East, and Latin America, all vying for bragging rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This event starts with three groups in the Group Stage. The top seven teams punch their ticket to the Finals, while the rest are thrown into a Last Chance round where only seven more will make it out alive. All matches will be played on Resurgence using the Match Point format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overwatch Champions Series (OCS)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The OCS 2025 Midseason Championship joins the EWC 2025 lineup from July 31st to August 3rd, with Champions Clash winners Crazy Raccoon leading the charge. They\u2019ll be joined by 15 Overwatch 2 teams\u2014including frontrunners from the Stage 2 regional OWCS leagues\u2014all vying for a share of the $1.05 million<\/strong> pool!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tournament kicks off with a round-robin Group Stage comprising four groups, with the top two from each advancing to a single-elimination Playoff bracket. If Champions Clash in Hangzhou was any indication, expect nonstop incredible plays from start to finish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place your <\/em>Overwatch 2 bets<\/em><\/a> today!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

StarCraft II<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Competitive StarCraft II play heads to EWC 2025 from August 15-18th. While the lineup is still unconfirmed, 18 players are expected to attend, including the GSL Season 1 and 2 winners and the top four finishers from DreamHack Dallas. The remaining spots will likely be filled via Global Standings. This year, the prizepool is a hefty $700,000<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last year, Team Liquid<\/a>\u2019s Cl\u00e9ment “Clem” Desplanches delivered a masterclass, blazing through the Group Stage virtually untouched. The French Terran player skipped the Knockouts entirely, cruising right into the Final Four where he dismantled herO and Serral with back-to-back sweeps to take the title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place your <\/em>StarCraft II bets<\/em><\/a> today!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rocket League<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fire up your engines! Rocket League is back from August 14-16th, slotted neatly between the Raleigh Major and the World Championship. What\u2019s more, there are 16 RLCS teams hitting the field, playing across a GSL-style Group Stage and single-elimination Playoffs bracket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prepare for jaw-dropping aerials, clutch saves, and insane goals as some of the world\u2019s greatest squads, including defending champs Team BDS and regional powerhouses Team Vitality<\/a>, Karmine Corp, NRG<\/a>, and Team Falcons, tear up the arena for a cut of the $1 million<\/strong> pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place your <\/em>Rocket League bets<\/em><\/a> today!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FC25<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

EAFC25 was the first sports sim to join the EWC lineup\u2014and it\u2019s back for more from August 7 to 10th. Last year\u2019s debut delivered mad hype, with Portugal\u2019s Jo\u00e3o \u201cjafonso\u201d Vasconcelos taking home $300,000<\/strong>. Only time will tell if he can do it again, especially against a stacked roster of 32 players hitting the virtual pitch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While final details are still pending, the tournament will likely follow the same format: best-of-1 matches, 9-minute halves, and a gauntlet of Group Stage, Resurrection Stage, and Playoffs. Expect roaring crowds and unforgettable moments as fans rally behind their favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place your <\/em>E-soccer bets<\/em><\/a> today!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apex Legends<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Apex Legends will be back under the spotlight at EWC 2025, bringing 40 of the biggest names in the ALGS. This includes defending champs Alliance<\/a>, whose jaw-dropping run last year stole the show. Expect total carnage from July 10 to 13th, as teams butt heads for a slice of the $2 million <\/strong>prize pool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bracket Stage will split into two groups of 20, each grinding through 10 action-packed matches. The top 10 will advance to the Finals, while the rest face off in another gauntlet to fill the remaining slots<\/a>. When the dust settles, only one team will emerge victorious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Street Fighter 6<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From humble arcade roots in 1980 to becoming a pillar of the FGC, it seems nothing can slow Street Fighter down. The fight continues at EWC 2025 from August 20-23rd, where 48 of the world\u2019s deadliest fighters will throw hands for a $1 million<\/strong> prize and a direct slot at Capcom Cup 12 in Tokyo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last year\u2019s EWC champ Xiaohai looking to repeat, facing off against fighters from the SFL World Championship, Capcom Cup 11, EVO Japan, Combo Breaker, and other premier events. Get ready for some of the cleanest combos you\u2019ve ever seen! Some of the qualifiers from previous events won\u2019t be in attendance, but the competition is set to be another banger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fatal Fury: City Of The Wolves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With the Saudi Prince backing this game, it’s no surprise that Fatal Fury: City of The Wolves is back, right out of the golden era of arcades. It\u2019ll make its debut at EWC 2025 from July 10-12th. Sixteen of the world\u2019s finest players will also be in the mix. That includes the number one and two killers from SNK\u2019s official EVO Japan tournament, both out for blood\u2014and a cut of the $1 million<\/strong> pot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Things kick off with four groups of four in a double-elimination format, facing off in Ft2 matches. The top two players from each group will advance to the Finals, where it\u2019s first to five to survive. Don\u2019t blink or you might miss some incredible combos!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tekken 8<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tekken 8 will be in full force at EWC 2025 from August 13-16th, bringing together 32 of the world\u2019s most talented fighters, each punching and kicking for a shot at the $1 million<\/strong> prize pool. Two brutal GSL-style group phases will set the stage, followed by a final single-elim bracket where only the strongest survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Big names from EVO Japan like Knee, Mangja, Mulgold, and PINYA are already locked in. All that\u2019s left is to see who will rise and fall. Whether you’re repping Mishima bloodlines or cheering for your regional hero, this is the <\/em>Tekken event of the year\u2014and it\u2019s not to be missed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teamfight Tactics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Teamfight Tactics will share the spotlight in Riyadh from August 11-15th, hosting 16 of the world\u2019s elite teams. While the lineup isn\u2019t finalized just yet, we already know EWC 2024 champs Wolves Esports will be back to defend their title, joined by ACL qualifiers like Flash Wolves, T1, Virtus.pro<\/a>, and many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EWC 2025 will give TFT players more global exposure than ever, with a $500,000<\/strong> prize pool raising the stakes and fueling fierce competition. With last year\u2019s event earning great reviews, you can expect the same (if not better) galaxy-brain comps and brawls for the crown!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rennsports<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The leading sim racers are back to take on Team Redline\u2019s finest, including Kevin Siggy behind the wheel of his BMW M4 GT3. Rennsports roars into the EWC 2025 from July 8-11th, delivering nearly a full week of gritty racing on iconic tracks like N\u00fcrburgring and the Daytona International Speedway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not much is known right now, but nine teams are already signed to play for $500,000<\/strong>, with a format likely spanning Group, Second Chance, and Finals stages. If you\u2019re an F1 or NASCAR fan, then make sure you bookmark these dates!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Crossfire<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All eyes will shift to Crossfire from August 19-23th, as 16 teams compete for a share of a $2 million<\/strong> prize pool. Only the best are invited, including the dominant squads from the China, Vietnam, Brazil, and Western league standings, as well as the top dogs from the ACL and the Philippines Masters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last year\u2019s finale was an absolute nail-biter, with Evolution Power narrowly claiming the crown. Now, teams will be back with a vengeance, each coming back with something to prove.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chess<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chess will join the EWC main stage for the first time\u2014and it\u2019s making a bold entrance. Running from July 29th to August 1st, the event will bring 16 of the world\u2019s most gifted players to Riyadh, including Grandmasters like Magnus Carlsen, Arjun Erigaisi, and Maxime Vachier-Lagrave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a $1.5 million<\/strong> prize pool on the line, it\u2019s one of the most lucrative and prestigious mind sports tournaments in history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always practice <\/em>Responsible Gambling<\/em><\/a> and check out our <\/em>latest promo offers<\/em><\/a> and boosts. T&Cs apply. 18+ to play.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Esports World Cup 2025 is back, and this year it\u2019s bigger and better than ever! With a record-breaking $70 million prize pool, Riyadh will once again transform into the heart of esports. We\u2019re talking 25 tournaments, thousands of players, and a single cross-title Club Championship to pull it all together. We\u2019ve got the lowdown on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12064,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[59,95,55,99,52,57,61,60,63,62,101,1,58],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12062","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-call-of-duty","category-cs2","category-dota-2","category-esoccer","category-esports","category-league-of-legends","category-overwatch","category-rainbow-six","category-rocket-league","category-starcraft-2","category-tournaments","category-uncategorized","category-valorant"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12062","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12062"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12062\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12063,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12062\/revisions\/12063"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12064"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12062"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12062"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12062"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}