The Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC) is set to take center stage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from August 8 to 24. They’ve really transformed Boulevard City into an impressive hub for competitive gaming, exciting pop culture events, and all sorts of digital entertainment.
Imagine this: you’ll see over 2,000 top players, 200 different clubs, and 25 tournaments featuring 24 game titles, all packed into a seven-week-long event. It’s much more than just a competition; it’s a massive celebration that truly shows how esports has grown into a major sport.
From Post Malone’s impressive opening performance to Cristiano Ronaldo acting as a Global Ambassador, the EWC 2025 is definitely setting new standards for digital competitions.
And if you’re keen on following the action or even placing a wager, you’ll discover that there are many best esports betting platforms SG that cover these kinds of major events, offering you various ways to engage with the excitement.
How the Esports World Cup Became a Global Phenomenon
The Esports World Cup actually came about from something called Gamers8. It basically transformed into this huge event featuring many different games, all organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF).
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) really made a splash. Back in 2024, with backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, their first event was huge, featuring 22 different competitions and an amazing $60 million in prizes. Then, in 2025, it got even bigger! They offered over $70 million in prizes, brought in a new Club Championship style, and teamed up for the long haul with major gaming companies like Riot Games, Activision, and Capcom.
Even though the EWCF has grown incredibly fast, you can imagine they’ve had their share of bumps in the road. There’s been some talk about “sportswashing,” a bit of disappointment from the community over which games were picked, and simply the challenge of organizing 25 events in various places.
But despite these hurdles, the Foundation’s commitment has really helped them push through. They’re dedicated to making esports grow in a way that lasts, ensuring it’s available to everyone around the world, and blending it with different cultures.
However, the Foundation’s dedication to making esports grow in a sustainable way, ensuring it’s accessible globally, and blending it with different cultures has truly helped them navigate these hurdles. This commitment has really solidified its position as the top esports event worldwide. If you’re into it, you might even find some great opportunities on Top Singapore esports betting sites!
DOTA 2, Valorant, and Beyond: The Blockbuster Titles Taking Center Stage
Among the 24 games featured, you’ll notice that DOTA 2 and Valorant really stood out as fan favorites, attracting a huge number of viewers and generating a lot of excitement. Dota 2 is still right up there at the top when it comes to esports. It’s essentially the revamped version of that hugely popular MOBA mod from the video game Warcraft III.
Given its widespread popularity and the sponsorships it attracts, it’s really no surprise that its prize money pools have reached as high as $3 million. Plus, its reputation from those early games is a big part of why it’s considered such a highlight in the esports world.
Meanwhile, Valorant’s first appearance, fully supported by Riot Games, really grabbed the attention of tactical shooter fans because of its intense competition and teams from all over the world.
To give you a better idea of just how popular these games were, here’s a look at the highest number of viewers for some of the top titles:
| Game Title | Peak Viewers (2025 EWC) | Prize Pool |
| DOTA 2 | 6.3 million | $3,000,000 |
| Valorant | 5.1 million | $1,250,000 |
| League of Legends | 4.8 million | $2,000,000 |
| Mobile Legends (MSC) | 4.2 million | $3,000,000 |
| Counter-Strike 2 | 3.9 million | $1,250,000 |
A Record-Breaking Prize Pool That’s Changing the Game
The biggest prize pool in esports history at the EWC 2025 is the ultimate above all other tournaments. A staggering $70.45 million is up for grabs, spread across four different categories. This setup isn’t just about individual wins; it’s designed to reward teams that consistently perform well across various games.
Here’s how the prize money is split:
- Game Championships: $38 million
- Club Championship: $27 million
- Qualifiers: $5 million
- MVP Awards: $450,000
Top Games and Rewards
Some of the games offering the biggest payouts include:
- DOTA 2: $3,000,000
- Honor of Kings: $3,000,000
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MSC): $3,000,000
- PUBG Mobile: $3,000,000
These games bring out the rich esports world; you’ll see how big mobile games are in Southeast Asia, and strategy games in the rest of the world. The Club Championship itself has a whopping $7 million to the winner, really pushing teams to be as good as possible across multiple titles. If you’re interested in legal esports betting Singapore, these big tournaments tend to be thrilling opportunities to get involved in the action.
Where to Watch: Streaming Platforms Bringing the Action Live
For those of you in Singapore looking to watch the Esports World Cup 2025 live and legally, you’re in luck! You won’t have to stress about special subscriptions or using a VPN to see all the action, from heart-pounding DOTA 2 fights to tactical Valorant showdowns.
Here’s how you can tune in
- Twitch & YouTube: The official EWC channels on both Twitch and YouTube will be streaming every single match around the world, and that includes right there in Singapore. You’ll be able to find commentary in various languages, and you can even jump into the live chat with other viewers.
- DAZN: You can get free access to all the EWC 2025 coverage through DAZN, which includes match highlights and updates on the Club Championship.
- Esports World Cup Website: The official Esports World Cup Website is another excellent spot. It hosts live streams, game schedules, and even exclusive content like “EWC Spotlight” and behind-the-scenes interviews.
What Punters Can Expect During the EWC 2025
When it comes to esports betting, the EWC 2025 is a fantastic opportunity for you. You’ll find that trusted esports sportsbooks Singapore like Solarbet and GoPlay711 offer really competitive odds on all the big games, including DOTA 2, Valorant, and Mobile Legends. These websites are set up especially for people in Southeast Asia, with local ways to pay, options for live betting, and special deals.
You can look forward to features such as:
- “Outright Winner” option for each esports game.
- “Prop bets,” which let you bet on things like who will be the Most Valuable Player, which team will win a specific map, or how many kills a player will get.
- “Parlay bets,” You can combine your bets across different games, which is a great way to predict outcomes for events like the Club Championship.
Because these platforms are officially regulated and really care about responsible gaming, they make sure you’ll have a safe and exciting time betting on esports.
Not Just Another Tournament—It’s a Digital Revolution
The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 is really aiming to turn esports into a major cultural event, not just a competition. You’ll see how it blends gaming with entertainment and global influence—think of Post Malone performing and Cristiano Ronaldo being an ambassador.
With record-breaking numbers of people watching, games that cross different genres, and important partnerships, the EWC is truly shaping what digital sports will look like in the future. It’s the kind of event that even Singapore sportsbooks will be keeping a close eye on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Esports World Cup different from other gaming tournaments?
Here, you’ll find 25 tournaments across 24 different games. What makes it unique is its “Club Championship” format, which means clubs are rewarded for doing well across many different titles. You’ll also be interested to know that this event boasts the largest prize pool in the entire history of esports.
Are there age restrictions or ticket requirements to watch the Esports World Cup live?
If you’re planning to attend in Riyadh, you’ll need to purchase tickets. Keep in mind that certain areas might have age restrictions, usually for those 13 and older. However, if you prefer to watch from home, the online stream is completely free and available to everyone worldwide, with no age verification required.
Is esports betting legal in Singapore for the World Cup?
When it comes to esports betting in Singapore, the rules are quite strict because of the Gambling Control Act. Generally, it’s pretty restricted. However, you’ll find that platforms like Solarbet and GoPlay711 operate from outside Singapore. They still serve players in Singapore, offering competitive odds and secure ways for you to handle your money.
