Aksel Kryhlmand
Running from July 7 to August 24
Saudi Arabia is set to cement its status as a global esports powerhouse this summer as Riyadh hosts the Esports World Cup 2025, the largest and most ambitious event of its kind in gaming history.
With $70 million in prize money, an expanded lineup of 25 tournaments, and high-profile ambassadors like Cristiano Ronaldo and Post Malone, this year’s edition promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle for players and fans alike.
Dates and Venue
Running from July 7 to August 24, the tournament will unfold across seven weeks at the newly opened SEF Arena in Boulevard City, Riyadh. Spanning 34,000 square meters, the complex includes:
- A 2,200-seat main arena
- Five tournament halls
- Player training facilities
- Creator lounges
- Fan zones and cafes
The venue’s scale and modernity reflect Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to become a leading force in global esports and digital entertainment.
Post Malone to Headline
Grammy-nominated singer Post Malone will kick off festivities with a headline performance on July 10, adding a layer of mainstream pop culture to the gaming spectacle. He’ll return to the region again later in the year for Abu Dhabi’s Formula 1 after-race concerts.
Prize Pool: $70 Million
The $70 million prize pool is the richest in esports history, topping the $62.5 million from 2024. It’s allocated as follows:
- $27 million: Club Championship
- $7 million to the winning team
- $38 million: Across 25 individual tournaments
- $450,000: MVP awards
- $5 million: For regional qualifiers
This prize structure makes the EWC 2025 not just a tournament, but a global talent showcase with transformative financial stakes.
Global Ambassador, Cristiano Ronaldo
Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has joined as the global ambassador for the tournament. His involvement, along with new partnerships, including a multi-year deal with Riot Games (covering League of Legends, Valorant, and Teamfight Tactics, brings mainstream credibility and reach to the event. Meanwhile, Chess.com joins as the official platform for the chess segment.
Game Lineup
This year’s event features 25 tournaments across 24 games, ranging from MOBAs and shooters to sports sims and fighting games. Highlights include:
New additions:
- Chess (10-minute blitz format), featuring Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura
- Valorant and Crossfire, added via the Riot Games partnership
- Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, returning to the big stage
Returning titles:
- Dota 2, League of Legends, CS2, CoD: Black Ops 6
- EA Sports FC 25, PUBG Mobile, Apex Legends, StarCraft II
- Rocket League, Mobile Legends, Rainbow Six Siege, and more
Club Championship, Consistency is King
The Club Championship remains the centerpiece of the EWC, requiring teams to win at least one event and place top eight in two others to claim the overall title. With 200 clubs and 2,000 players from 100+ countries expected, the format rewards depth and versatility.
Last year’s top three:
- Team Falcons (Saudi Arabia)
- Team Liquid (Netherlands)
- Team BDS (Switzerland)
This year’s expanded competition promises a more intense battle for the crown.
Fan Experience and Industry Summit
Beyond elite gaming, fans can enjoy a vibrant festival atmosphere with:
- Cosplay contests and meet-and-greets
- Live music and creator booths
- Livestreaming zones and community events
- Merchandise pavilions
On August 23–24, the New Global Sport Conference will gather executives, developers, and investors from gaming, media, tech, and traditional sports for discussions and deal-making.
A Global Gaming Landmark
The Esports World Cup 2025 isn’t just a tournament, it’s a statement, politically. With record-breaking prizes, superstar support, and world-class infrastructure, Riyadh is placing itself at the center of a rapidly growing global esports ecosystem. Whether you’re a fan, player, or industry insider, this summer’s event will be one for the history books.