Heading into 2025, here is a list of titles set for next year’s edition of the Esports World Cup
The Esports World Cup (EWC) is gearing up for another exciting summer in 2025, and they've revealed a large selection of titles that will be battling it out for glory! Here's a look at what's confirmed so far:
Returning Champions:
PUBG Mobile: After a thrilling victory over Petrichor Road, FaZe Clan, and TSM in 2024, SONIQS will be back to defend their crown in the $2 million prize pool competition.
PUBG: Battlegrounds: Champions SONIQS return for another shot at the $700,000 slice of the total $2 million prize pool, after dominating against Petrichor Road, FaZe Clan, and TSM in 2024.
RENNSPORT: Team Redline will try to repeat their 2024 win where they outperformed Team Vitality, MOUZ, and Williams Esports to claim the $500,000 prize pool.
Returning Titles:
Rocket League:The Esports World Cup 2024 featured a $550,000 Rocket League tournament in Riyadh from August 22nd-25th, which saw Team BDS crowned champions. However, the event struggled with viewership, peaking at only 99.8K viewers, likely due to the absence of fan-favorite team Karmine Corp and the early elimination of Gentle Mates.
Overwatch 2: The Overwatch League (OWL) concluded its final season in 2023, with the Florida Mayhem taking the championship. Though the OWL is no more, Overwatch 2 esports continued in 2024 with the launch of the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS), which saw teams competing across different regions for a spot at the Finals.
EA FC 25: The EWC 2024 featured an EA FC tournament with a $1 million prize pool, utilizing the Ultimate Team mode. João 'jafonsogv' Afonso Vasconcelos emerged victorious under the Luna Galaxy banner after competing against 15 other players in a group stage and playoff format.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang: MOONTON Games held its mid-season cup concurrently with EWC, with Malaysia’s Selangor Red Giants getting the “life-changing” lion’s share of the prize pool.
Apex Legends: Alliance emerged victorious in a thrilling, record-breaking 13-game grand final at the Apex Legends Esports World Cup 2024. This win marked their first LAN victory from the EMEA region and solidified their position as a top contender in Apex Legends esports. Despite a mixed performance throughout the series, Alliance secured the final victory when it mattered most, edging out teams like Team Falcons and Luminosity Gaming to claim the championship.
Rainbow Six Siege: Team BDS reigned supreme in the Rainbow Six Siege competition of EWC, taking home $750,000.
Dota 2: Gaimin Gladiators dominated the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters at the Esports World Cup 2024, securing a clean 3-0 sweep against Team Liquid in the grand finals. This victory marked Gaimin Gladiators' first Tier 1 championship of 2024 and a return to the top of Dota 2 esports after a successful 2023 season. Their superior teamplay and individual performances proved too much for Team Liquid, who were unable to find an answer to Gaimin Gladiators' strategies.
Street Fighter 6: The Street Fighter 6 tournament at the EWC 2024 was a significant event in the game's competitive calendar, especially as it was a relatively new title at the time. The tournament featured a $1 million prize pool and attracted top players from around the globe. Ultimately, it was Chinese player "xiaohai" who emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional skill and strategy in the new game. The event highlighted the early meta of Street Fighter 6 and set the stage for future competitions.
Free Fire: The Free Fire World Series (FFWS) was the highlight of the Free Fire esports calendar in 2024. While the provided text doesn't have EWC-specific results, the FFWS remains the top international competition for Free Fire.
Honor of Kings: The Honor of Kings Invitational Midseason 2024, held in Riyadh as part of the Esports World Cup, was a landmark event featuring a $3 million prize pool and 12 competing teams. This tournament showcased increased international participation and significantly surpassed previous Honor of Kings events in viewership. Ultimately, it was Chinese team KPL Dream Team who claimed the championship title, solidifying their position as a top contender in the Honor of Kings competitive scene.
Counter-Strike 2: 2024 saw the transition from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive to Counter-Strike 2. Natus Vincere reigned supreme in the EWC 2024 contingent.
Newcomers to the Arena:
Chess.com: This is a first for EWC! Chess.com joins the fray. Chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen will be a global ambassador and the Champions Chess Tour (CCT) will be the official qualification path for players.
Crossfire: Get ready for a new battle royale experience! Thanks to a three-year partnership with South Korean publisher Smilegate, Crossfire makes its debut.
Titles Missing in Action (For Now):
The list is still missing some big names, particularly Riot Games' popular titles like League of Legends, Valorant, and Teamfight Tactics. While not confirmed yet, there's a chance these might be included as exhibition matches outside of the official leagues.
Read related article: Chess Joins Esports World Cup 2025
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