2025 Esports World Cup Sets Record $70 Million Prize Pool

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced a record-setting prize pool of more than $70 million for the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) — the largest in esports history.

Set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 to Aug. 24, this years event builds on the success of last summers debut and is poised to be one of the most high-profile esports events ever staged.

The prize pool represents a $10 million increase from last year, underscoring EWCFs goal to create sustainable career opportunities for players and clubs, and to support the broader esports ecosystem.

“Its not just to have more money at stake, but to create opportunities for everyone at every level of the ecosystem,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation.

“The record-breaking $70+ million prize pool, along with our commitment to the Club Partner Program and our multi-year publisher agreements, is a privilege to announce and validation of our purpose to elevate the industry, by giving players, clubs, publishers and all other stakeholders the stability needed to invest for future success,” Reichert said. “While more than $70 million is an incredible, life-changing sum, its always aligned with a long-term vision rather than short-term impact.

This years EWC will feature 25 tournaments across 24 games, including popular titles such as “League of Legends,” “VALORANT,” and “Call of Duty,” as well as newcomers like Chess and “FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves.” More than 2,000 players and 200 elite Clubs from around the globe are expected to participate.

Of the $70 million total, $27 million will go to the Club Championship — an innovative cross-game competition rewarding the top-performing organizations. An additional $38 million will be distributed across the individual game championships, while standout players will compete for $450,000 in MVP awards. Over $5 million has been allocated to qualifier events leading up to the main tournament.

Team Falcons, winners of the 2024 Club Championship, will return to defend their title.

“Winning the Club Championship crown and $7 million at the inaugural Esports World Cup was a defining moment for Team Falcons,” said Mosaad Al-Dossary, Team Falcons CEO. “We look forward to continuing that legacy this summer.”

Steve Arhancet, Co-CEO of Team Liquid, which finished second in 2024, said, “We believe this to be our year.”

“With our winnings, we expanded into new games like chess, strengthened our international presence in Southeast Asia, and supported philanthropic initiatives,” Arhancet said. “The experience, momentum, and rosters weve built over the past year put us in the perfect position to claim the Championship crown at EWC 2025.”

Riyadh will once again host the New Global Sport Conference for the EWC’s closing weekend Aug. 23–24, gathering more than 1,500 leaders from the esports, gaming, and entertainment industries to explore the future of global sports.