Latest news with #ClubChampionship
News18
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
2025 Esports World Cup Kicks Off In Riyadh With A $70M Prize Pool
Last Updated: The 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) launched in Riyadh with a star-studded ceremony. Featuring over 2,000 players in 25 tournaments, the event boasts a $70 million prize pool. The opening press conference for the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) was held in Riyadh, signalling the commencement of the world's largest esports and gaming festival. The event launched on Thursday evening with a star-studded opening ceremony. Running until August 24, the festival features over 2,000 elite players competing in 25 tournaments across 24 leading titles, with a staggering prize pool exceeding 70 million U.S. dollars. Speaking at the press conference on Wednesday, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, stated: 'We are immensely proud to welcome back the world to Riyadh for the Esports World Cup. This event stands as a global milestone for esports by showcasing the scale, ambition, and future of competitive gaming." The 2025 EWC unites the top 200 clubs globally to compete in a cross-title format, a pioneering initiative, according to Xinhua. Central to the competition is the Club Championship, where teams gather points across multiple games to earn the title of EWC club champion. Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, commented: 'The 2025 EWC is about bringing the gaming world together – iconic games, elite players, and millions of fans around a shared celebration." India's S8UL, a leading entity in esports and gaming content, has officially qualified for the grand finals of Apex Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), and EAFC 25 at the upcoming Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 in Riyadh. With a record-breaking prize pool of $70 million (approx. INR 598 crore), the EWC 2025 is poised to be one of the largest esports events in history. In Chess, Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram will compete in the Last Chance Qualifier from July 24 to 26, while Pyung Jae Koh (GuMiho) will participate in StarCraft II's EWC 2025: Global Qualifier on June 21 and 22. In the fighting games genre, S8UL's Marcoantonio Malpica (Yurikov) will compete in Fatal Fury, and Arja Gamoori (Sephiblack) and Nino Schwarz (Nino) will participate in Tekken 8 qualifiers. With IANS Inputs view comments First Published: July 11, 2025, 11:15 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Leaders
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leaders
Esports World Cup 2025 kicks off with Press Conference in Riyadh
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) launched the opening press conference for the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh on Tuesday, officially marking the start of what organisers describe as the world's largest esports and gaming festival. Running until Aug. 24, the event features more than 2,000 players, 25 tournaments across 24 game titles, and a record-breaking prize pool of more than $70 million. Meanwhile, the competition brings together 200 of the world's top clubs in a cross-title format. The centrepiece is the Club Championship, in which teams earn points across multiple games. The winning club will claim a $7 million grand prize and the EWC Club Championship trophy. Mega prize The total prize pool includes over $38 million for individual game tournaments, $5 million in global qualifier rewards, and $450,000 in MVP bonuses. 'Guided by the vision and leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia is cementing its position as a global leader in gaming and esports,' said HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation. 'The Esports World Cup reflects that progress. We are proud to welcome the world to Riyadh once again.' Prince Faisal added that the event supports the Kingdom's broader goals to diversify the economy and position itself as a global hub for sports and entertainment, in line with Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said the tournament aims to unite fans and players through elite competition and immersive storytelling. 'This summer is special — not just for gamers, but for everyone who joins us,' he said. Faisal bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at EWCF, described the event as a transformative platform for teams, brands, and publishers. 'The Esports World Cup is redefining what's possible in esports,' he said. Worth mentioning, the tournament officially kicks off on July 10 with an opening ceremony featuring performances by Post Malone, DINO of K-pop group SEVENTEEN, and DJ Alesso. Related topics: Riyadh Roars: Esports World Cup Returns with Unprecedented Scale Saudi Esports Federation, PUBG Mobile Partner to Boost Gaming Ecosystem Saudi Arabia to Host Inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2027 Short link : Post Views: 119
Gulf Insider
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Insider
Esports World Cup 2025 Officially Kicks Off in Riyadh
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) marked the start of the world's largest esports and gaming festival. Running until the 24th of August, the Esports World Cup (EWC) features more than 2000 elite players, 25 tournaments across 24 leading titles, and a record-breaking prize pool of over $70 million! This summer, the Esports World Cup 2025 is raising the bar for global competition, uniting the top 200 Clubs from around the world in a groundbreaking cross-title format. At the centre of the action is the Club Championship, a high-stakes contest where teams earn points across multiple games to battle for the ultimate title of EWC Club Champion. Apart from bragging rights, the champions will take home a staggering $7 million grand prize, along with the honour of lifting the coveted Club Championship trophy. In total, the event boasts a record-breaking $70+ million prize. HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: 'This event stands as a global milestone for esports by showcasing the scale, ambition, and future of competitive gaming. It is a moment that will shape the direction of the industry for years to come.' He emphasised that hosting the tournament in Riyadh again shows how committed the Kingdom is to building a top-tier, sustainable esports scene. It's all part of a broader effort to use gaming as a way to connect people and inspire younger generations, while supporting the goals of Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and make Saudi Arabia a global centre for sports, gaming, and entertainment. Esports, he said, is no longer a niche interest; it's a global movement, and the Esports World Cup is the biggest and most unifying platform for it. The Esports World Cup 2025 is set to be more than just a competition; it's a worldwide celebration of gaming culture. Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, put it simply: 'EWC 2025 is about bringing the gaming world together.' He explained that this year's event is taking things to the next level with innovative global broadcasts, original content, and documentary-style storytelling. With record-breaking competition on the horizon, he said this summer will be special and not just for gamers, but for everyone taking part. Faisal bin Homran, Chief Product Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, emphasised how EWC is reshaping the future of competitive gaming. 'It brings together the world's top teams to compete in the most iconic and advanced arenas, delivering a level of excitement that is unmatched across the industry,' he said. Beyond competition, it's also a platform for major publishers, brands, and content creators to connect with global audiences and influence where the industry is headed. Looking ahead to 2025, Faisal said the team is focused on raising the bar even higher, setting new standards, driving innovation, and inviting the whole world to be part of what comes next. The Esports World Cup has officially kicked off, with an impressive lineup at the opening ceremony in Riyadh, featuring Post Malone, DINO of SEVENTEEN, and Alesso, marking the start of a summer packed with elite competition and world-class entertainment! READ MORE: Saudi Arabia Drives Middle East Push Into $600B Global Sports Market
Malaysian Reserve
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
Esports World Cup 2025 Press Conference Kicks Off in Riyadh
Seven-week tournament features 2,000 players, 25 titles, and the top 200 Clubs competing in the world's largest cross-game esports competition, championed by global icons and EWC Ambassadors Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen PRESS KIT RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has launched the opening press conference for the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, officially marking the start of the world's largest esports and gaming festival. Running until August 24, the event features more than 2,000 elite players, 25 tournaments across 24 leading titles, and a record-breaking prize pool of over $70 million, cementing its status as the biggest and most significant esports event ever staged. EWC 2025 brings together the world's top 200 Clubs to compete in a first-of-its-kind cross-title format. At the heart of the competition is the Club Championship, where teams accumulate points across multiple games to become the EWC Club Champion, claim a $7 million grand prize and hoist the coveted EWC Club Championship trophy. The $70+ million prize pool also includes $38+ million for individual Game Championships, $5 million in global qualifier rewards, and $450,000 in MVP bonuses. Speaking at the opening press conference, HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman, Saudi Esports Federation, said: 'Guided by the ambitious vision and leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz AlSaud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom is cementing its position as a global leader in gaming and esports. The Esports World Cup is a clear reflection of that progress. We are immensely proud to welcome back the world in Riyadh for the Esports World Cup. This event stands as a global milestone for esports by showcasing the scale, ambition, and future of competitive gaming. It is a moment that will shape the direction of the industry for years to come.' He continued: 'Hosting this event reflects our deep commitment to building a world-class, sustainable esports ecosystem. It demonstrates the Kingdom's belief in the power of gaming to connect, inspire, and create meaningful opportunities for future generations. It also supports our broader ambition to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global hub for sports, gaming, and entertainment in line with Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. Esports is no longer niche. It is a global sport, a cultural movement, and the Esports World Cup is its most powerful and unifying stage. We are honoured to lead this transformation and shape the future of the industry from here in Saudi Arabia.' 'EWC 2025 is about bringing the gaming world together – iconic games, elite players, and millions of fans around a shared celebration,' said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. 'Through new ways of global broadcasts, original shows, and documentary storytelling, we're opening doors, creating opportunities, and sharing esports in new and exciting ways. With record-breaking competition, this summer is special—not just for gamers, but for everyone who joins us.' Faisal bin Homran, Chief Product Officer, Esports World Cup Foundation, added: 'The Esports World Cup is redefining what's possible in esports. It brings together the world's top teams to compete in the most iconic and advanced arenas, delivering a level of excitement that is unmatched across the industry. Through EWC, the world has witnessed inspiring stories of triumph, heartbreak and glory, for players, teams and communities across the world.' He continued: 'The event is also a powerful platform for leading publishers, brands and creators to connect with global audiences and shape the future of esports. As we look ahead to EWC 2025, we invite the world to be part of what comes next. Together, we are setting new standards, creating new opportunities and driving the industry forward.' Tomorrow, 10 July, the Esports World Cup kicks off with a star-studded Opening Ceremony featuring Post Malone, DINO of SEVENTEEN, and Alesso launching a summer of elite competition and world-class entertainment in Riyadh. About The Esports World Cup: The Esports World Cup (EWC) is a premier annual sporting event and global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom. The competition features a unique cross-game format that pits the world's top esports Clubs against one another for the largest prize pool in esports history. Returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the summer of 2025, the EWC will bring gaming and esports communities together again to crown the next Esports World Cup Club Champion. Photo:
Malaysian Reserve
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
Esports World Cup 2025 Kicks Off in Riyadh With $70 Million Prize Pool, International Superstars and Global Broadcast
Seven-week tournament features 2,000 players, 24 titles, and the top 200 Clubs competing in the world's largest cross-game esports competition, championed by global icons and EWC Ambassadors Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen Global broadcast spans 7,000+ hours of live content, second only to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in global sports history, with 90+ partners, reaching fans in 140 countries and 35 languages The broadcast premieres EWC Spotlight, a flagship series produced in partnership with global sports agency IMG; will feature over 50 hours of live content Star-studded Opening Ceremony includes Post Malone, DINO of SEVENTEEN, and Alesso, launching a summer of elite competition and entertainment in Riyadh PRESS KIT RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today officially opened the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the start of the world's largest esports and gaming festival. Running through August 24, the event features more than 2,000 elite players, 25 tournaments across 24 leading titles, and a record-breaking prize pool of over $70 million – cementing its status as the biggest and most significant esports event ever staged. EWC 2025 brings together the world's top 200 Clubs to compete in a first-of-its-kind cross-title format. At the heart of the competition is the Club Championship, where teams accumulate points across multiple games to become the EWC Club Champion, claim a $7 million grand prize and hoist the coveted EWC Club Championship trophy. The $70+ million prize pool also includes $38+ million for individual Game Championships, $5 million in global qualifier rewards, and $450,000 in MVP bonuses. Speaking at the opening press conference, HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman, Saudi Esports Federation, said: 'We're immensely proud to welcome the world back to Riyadh for the Esports World Cup – an event that showcases the scale, ambition, and future of esports and gaming. This is a pivotal moment that will shape the direction of the industry for years to come. Hosting the EWC reflects our commitment to building a sustainable, world-class esports ecosystem. It demonstrates our belief in gaming as a force to connect, inspire, and create opportunity, while advancing our broader goals under Vision 2030 and the National Gaming and Esports Strategy. Esports is no longer niche – it's a global sport and a cultural force. And the Esports World Cup is its most unifying stage. We're honored to lead this transformation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.' 'EWC 2025 is about bringing the gaming world together—iconic games, elite players, and millions of fans around a shared celebration,' said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. 'Through new ways of global broadcasts, original shows, and documentary storytelling, we're opening doors, creating opportunities, and sharing esports in new and exciting ways. With record-breaking competition, this summer is special—not just for gamers, but for everyone who joins us.' Faisal bin Homran, Chief Product Officer, Esports World Cup Foundation, added: 'The Esports World Cup is redefining success in global sport, unlocking long-term opportunities across the entire ecosystem for players, organisations and communities. At its core is the pioneering EWC Club Championship, a cross-game format that rewards all-around excellence, reshapes how performance is measured, and sets a new benchmark for what it means to be a champion in the digital age. As EWC 2025 begins, we look forward to seeing new champions rise and new legacies take shape.' To reach new audiences worldwide, EWC 2025 will produce over 7,000 hours of live content – second only to the Paris 2024 Olympics. The EWC will be delivered in 35 languages across 140 countries via 90+ broadcast and OTT partners, including some of the world's largest media platforms, such as FOX Sports (U.S.), DAZN (operating in a total of 16 countries), Eurosport, and NAVER (South Korea). In addition, all competition will be streamed live on Twitch, YouTube and TikTok, creating unprecedented scale and reach to redefine how competitive gaming is produced and consumed by fans worldwide. EWC Spotlight, a new flagship broadcast series produced in partnership with global sports agency IMG, will air live every Championship Weekend from a custom-built studio in Riyadh. Hosted by Hugh Woozencroft and Rachel Stringer, the show blends esports action with pop culture, celebrity interviews, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Throughout the summer, more than 60 global stars will appear on EWC Spotlight, offering fans a front-row seat to the cultural crossover between gaming, sport, and entertainment. The premiere episode of EWC Spotlight airs July 10 during the EWC Opening Ceremony, featuring live performances by Post Malone, GRAMMY-nominated producer Alesso, cellist Tina Guo, and a special collaboration by DINO of SEVENTEEN, Duckwrth, and Telle Smith of The Word Alive, who will debut the 2025 Esports World Cup Song of the Year, 'Til My Fingers Bleed.' Fans in Riyadh and around the world can look forward to unforgettable performances, fireworks, and a spectacular drone show lighting up the sky. Throughout the summer, the Esports World Cup will also transform Riyadh into a citywide celebration of gaming culture, with community tournaments, fan activations, concerts, and pop-up experiences taking place across Boulevard City at the EWC Festival. Fans from around the world will gather to celebrate their shared love of gaming in what promises to be a historic moment for the global esports community. This year, global icons Magnus Carlsen and Cristiano Ronaldo join the Esports World Cup as Global Ambassadors, bringing their competitive legacy and global reach to the world's biggest esports stage. Carlsen, the reigning chess champion, will also compete in the inaugural EWC Chess Tournament (July 29–31). Ronaldo's involvement underscores EWC's mission to unite sport and esports through shared values of excellence, dedication, and global community. EWC 2025 is supported by a global coalition of partners, including (in alphabetical order): AlBaik, Amazon, Aramco, Barn's, Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib, Hilton, HONOR, Jameel Motorsport, Lenovo, OBSBOT, PepsiCo, Qiddiya, Secretlab, SONY, Spotify, and stc. Over the next seven weeks, the EWC Club Championship will celebrate 25 tournament winners across 24 of the world's most popular titles, including (in alphabetical order): Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Call of Duty: Warzone, Chess, Counter-Strike 2, Crossfire, Dota 2, EA FC 25, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, Free Fire, Honor of Kings, League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Overwatch 2, PUBG MOBILE, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Rainbow Six Siege X, RENNSPORT, Rocket League, Starcraft 2, Street Fighter 6, Teamfight Tactics, Tekken 8, and Valorant. For a full tournament schedule and more information on the Esports World Cup, visit and follow all upcoming Esports World Cup announcements on X. About The Esports World Cup. The Esports World Cup (EWC) is a premier annual sporting event and global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom. The competition features a unique cross-game format that pits the world's top esports Clubs against one another for the largest prize pool in esports history. Returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the summer of 2025, the EWC will bring gaming and esports communities together again to crown the next Esports World Cup Club Champion. Photo – – View original content:
