Prime Video To Premiere ‘Esports World Cup: Level Up’ Docuseries On June 6

Prime Video will debut “Esports World Cup: Level Up” on June 6, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most ambitious global gaming competitions to date.

The five-part documentary series, directed by Emmy Award-winner R.J. Cutler, follows the inaugural 2024 Esports World Cup, where players from around the globe competed for a record-breaking $60 million prize pool.

Episodes will roll out weekly and be available in more than 240 countries and territories. The series is produced by This Machine, part of Sony Pictures Television, with Cutler directing and serving as executive producer alongside Jane Cha Cutler, Trevor Smith, Elise Pearlstein, Mark Blatty, and showrunner John Dorsey.

“What drew me to the Esports World Cup was the compelling human stories unfolding within this high-stakes arena,” said Cutler. “’Level Up’ isn’t just about the incredible competition and prize money; it’s about the dedication, the passion, and the sheer will of these athletes and teams pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Under high pressure, we discover the true character of the competitors who vie for $60 million, but who also expose their humanity in the process.”

Filmed in verité style, the series blends intimate home visits and on-the-ground access to the eight-week tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The show captures the personal journeys of players and executives alike, highlighting both the pressure and the stakes as teams compete across more than 20 games in the EWCs signature “Club Championship” format.

“A win might make the headlines — but the real story is the people behind it,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “Level Up dives into the human side of esports: the pressure, the ambition, the sacrifices. Its about what it really takes to compete at the highest level — and why it matters. R.J. is the best at bringing those stories to life, and this one captures the heart of what were building.”

The series features a number of standout competitors and teams, such as Soka (Team Falcons), a charismatic player from Oakland, Calif., who is known for his bravado, and reveals the challenges of his upbringing; FAKER (T1), a South Korean legend navigating his fame and the weight of expectation; and Sanford (Team Liquid), a 19-year-old from the Philippines supporting his family following his fathers stroke.

The series also follows Drazah (Atlanta FaZe), who rose from humble beginnings in North Pole, Alaska, to become a top-tier competitor; Chel & Cinny (Team Vitality), sisters leading a dominant womens team from Indonesia, dealing with personal tragedy on the eve of competition; Yevhen Zolotarov (CEO, NAVI), competing while his home country of Ukraine remains at war; and Mossad Aldossary (CEO, Team Falcons), who leads Saudi Arabias top team with the nations hopes on his shoulders.

The inaugural Esports World Cup drew 1,500 players and 200 Clubs from over 100 countries, competing in 22 tournaments. “Esports World Cup: Level Up” will explore not just the drama of the matches, but the personal journeys behind them, as esports continues to evolve into a global cultural phenomenon.

“Esports World Cup: Level Up” premieres June 6, streaming exclusively on Prime Video.