
Esports World Cup 2025 delivers new milestones, rising stars in week 2
For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
The Club Championship leaderboard had several teams secure points across multiple games.
Gen.G make League of Legends history
South Korea's Gen.G Esports captured their second international title in just over a week, defeating AG.AL 3-2 in a thrilling League of Legends grand final.
Their undefeated run through the Esports World Cup, combined with their MSI 2025 title, has extended their winning streak to 26 matches, marking one of the most dominant eras in history.
With this win, Gen.G becomes the fastest team to secure back-to-back international League of Legends titles.
Team Spirit dominate in Dota 2
Team Spirit emerged as the champions of the Dota 2 tournament, dropping just one game across the entire event, and dismantling Team Falcons 3-0 in the final.
'There is not really much emotion as the grand final was not that hard,' said captain Iaroslav 'Miposhka' Naidenov.
Team Vitality perfect in MLBB Women's Invitational
Team Vitality stormed to a flawless 4-0 victory over Gaimin Gladiators in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women's Invitational, reclaiming their crown after falling short last year.
They also broke the MWI fastest match record twice, reclaiming it with a 9 minute, 36 second victory in the grand final.
Sisters Cindy 'Cinnyyy' Siswanto and Michelle 'Chelll' Siswanto secured their first EWC title, following a heartbreaking runner-up finish in 2024.
EVOS Esports triumph in Free Fire
Indonesia's EVOS Esports dominated the Free Fire tournament with consistent performances and clutch plays.
They reached match point by Game 6 of the finals and secured the championship after a dramatic final battle against Team Vitality.
The spotlight also shined on 15-year-old phenom Rasyah 'Rasyah' Rasyid, who became the youngest MVP in EWC history, earning the SONY MVP Award and $10,000 in prize money.
Other key results had Honor of Kings finalize its top eight playoff teams, with Paws Gaming, Nova Esports, and AG.AL leading the charge.
Meanwhile Saudi Arabia's Team Falcons claimed the Overwatch Champions Series Midseason Last Chance Qualifier, defeating ZETA DIVISION to secure their place in the OWCS Midseason Championship beginning July 31.
Club Championship standings
At the close of week two on July 20, Team Vitality lead the Club Championship standings, with Gen.G Esports in hot pursuit. Team Falcons and AG.AL are close behind.
With eight clubs now holding titles across different games, teams earning points in multiple disciplines are beginning to separate from the rest of the pack.
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