Esports World Cup 2025 features $70m prize pool, 25 tournaments and global club showdown in Riyadh

RIYADH: As the second weekend of the Esports World Cup finals in Riyadh beckons, the Club Championship has already started to take shape.

So far Gen.G Esports, Team Heretics, DetonatioN FocusMe, BMW M Team Redline, Red Bull Sim Racing and VK GAMING are the sides out in front, each with 1,000 Club points.

However, their positions could still come under threat in the coming days. Saudi Arabia’s Team Falcons might end the weekend in first place, with rosters competing in multiple games in the coming days.

But with Gen.G a firm favorite in League of Legends, they too are in a strong position to stand alone at the top of the table come Monday. With plenty more Club Championship points on offer, it is still anyone’s game.

League of Legends

One of the biggest titles to take place during the EWC is underway, and an incredible knockout competition is expected.

The first day of League of Legends action had two sides head home: North American Cloud9 and Vietnamese team GAM Esports.

While many teams have clawed their way through to the knockout stage, 2024 Esports World Cup Champions T1 will join the fray on July 18 to defend their title, and truly test the mettle of their rivals.

Aside from T1, the only side that finished in the top four in last year’s competition and is represented this year is Europe’s G2 Esports. The League of Legends EMEA Championship team secured a spot in the knockout stage after a 2-0 finish on day one.

With some exciting matchups ahead of the final this weekend, there are many upsets expected.

Dota 2

Dota 2’s epic two weeks of action finally conclude this weekend with a $3 million prize pool on the line.

Team Spirit and PVISION are locked in for the semifinals after victories in the quarterfinals, with more teams set to join them in the coming days. But some big names are already eliminated.

The 2024 champions Gaimin Gladiators have fallen in fifth to eighth place, meaning a new champion will be crowned in 2025. And with all the top seeded teams qualifying for the playoffs, the title race is wide open.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational

The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational concludes this week on July 19.

At the end of play on July 16, Team Liquid, Natus Vincere PH, ONIC Pertiwi Team, and Team Vitality have secured their slots in the playoffs. With just two days of competition, things are moving fast, with eight sides knocked out.

Now in its second year as a part of the EWC roster, the MLBB MWI features a $500,000 prize pool and presents a truly massive stage for women stars.

Team Vitality have been the most impressive, not dropping a single game so far. They also set a record for the fastest game in MWI history with 9 minutes, 38 seconds, but NAVI topped them by 1 second a few days later.

Free Fire

Mobile title Free Fire at the 2025 Esports World Cup kicked off with six fast-paced maps, setting the tone for what is shaping up to be a wide-open fight for the championship.

After day one, Team Falcons lead the standings with the Thai roster showcasing dominance, but a resurgence from the Brazilian teams including paiN Gaming and Fluxo mean everything is still in play.

However, as with Apex Legends in week one, anything can happen when it comes to battle royale titles and one good day is not enough to secure a trophy.

With the action closing on July 20, there is plenty of time for more surprises and upsets. And with Free Fire players known for their brash antics, there could be some drama in the closing stages.

GRAMMY-nominated producer and global electronic music sensation Alesso has released an official remix of “Ascension”, the lead track from the original music suite created for the Esports World Cup 2025 – the world’s largest esports and gaming event. 

‏Originally composed by Edouard Brenneisen of Hollywood Scoring and recorded at Abbey Road Studios, “Ascension” features fellow GRAMMY nominee and virtuoso cellist Tina Guo. Alesso’s remix reimagines the orchestral original with his signature euphoric production style. The sonic maven seamlessly fuses his progressive house sound with Guo’s powerful tone, transforming the cinematic piece into a high-energy rework designed to capture the intensity and emotion of elite esports competition.

‏The track is part of the EWC Music initiative, a new programme creating an original musical identity for the Esports World Cup and celebrating esports’ deep connection with music. Launched in April with a four-track suite by 2WEI and Hollywood Scoring, recorded at Abbey Road Studios, the programme continues with live performances, artist collaborations, and global fan activations. “Ascension (Alesso Remix)” will be featured across tournament broadcasts, live events, and digital content throughout the seven-week competition, which begins on July 7 in Riyadh.

‏The Opening Ceremony, on July 10, will be headlined by 9x diamond-certified artist Post Malone.

‏Alesso said of the track, “I was so excited when this opportunity came to me. I’m a huge fan of esports and gaming tournaments – I’m a gamer myself, so combining my two worlds into one on this remix felt so natural. Creating this alongside Tina was incredible. We were able to create something that truly brings listeners into another world. I can’t wait to share this moment with all of you.”

‏Tina Guo said of the collaboration, "I'm thrilled to have worked with Alesso on this remix and so excited to be a part of the Esports World Cup! This collaboration brings together my passion for music and gaming in a progressive house and cinematic fusion. The energy and creativity that Alesso brings to the table are truly inspiring, and being involved in such a monumental event like the Esports World Cup is a dream come true. I can't wait to share this experience with everyone!"

‏Ariel Horn, Executive Producer at the Esports World Cup Foundation, added: “Gaming and EDM have moved together for years, from Marshmello’s Fortnite show to major esports collaborations like League of Legends and VALORANT’s work with Zedd. With Alesso and Tina Guo, we’re building another bridge. Tina has scored games, rocked League Worlds, and played on iconic Hans Zimmer soundtracks – including Wonder Woman. Just as EWC is reimagining what global esports can be, this track reimagines the role music plays in connecting players, fans and culture, turning competition into something you don’t just watch – you feel.”

‏The Esports World Cup 2025 is the world’s premier esports event. Its unique cross-game format will reward Clubs and players competing for a life-changing prize pool across multiple platforms and genres – bringing together the best teams, players, and titles under one banner in the largest-ever celebration of competitive gaming.

‏EWC 2025 will feature 2,000 elite players and 200 Clubs from over 100 countries, competing in 25 tournaments across 24 games for a record-breaking $70+ million prize pool. Tickets, including access to the Opening Ceremony, are now available at esportsworldcup.com.