The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has revealed its detailed qualification route for the much-awaited Esports World Cup 2025, launching the Road to EWC, a worldwide campaign aimed at bringing competitive gaming stars from all levels together. It will cover more than 200 tournaments across the globe, taking local communities from there to the international stage and ultimately to the main event that will be held in Riyadh from July 7 to August 24.
The announcement ushers in a landmark moment in EWCF’s vision for creating long-term global development in the esports sector. The 2025 edition will feature 24 game titles, including new entries like Chess, Crossfire, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, and VALORANT. More than 2,000 professional-level players and 200 top-level Clubs will vie for an eye-watering prize pool of over $70 million—the biggest in competitive gaming history.
Road to EWC is about empowering players, Clubs, and communities to be part of something bigger. By linking tournaments around the globe, we’re opening doors for talent at every tier and laying the groundwork for a thriving, sustainable esports ecosystem.
Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at EWCF
Qualification types differ by title. For the highest-profile games such as League of Legends, VALORANT, Overwatch 2, and Apex Legends, qualification is being managed through official publisher leagues such as the LEC, VCT, OWCS, and ALGS. In contrast, open qualifiers will decide entries for games like Dota 2, Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG, Teamfight Tactics, and StarCraft II.
Fighting games will feature community-driven paths, with events such as EVO Japan, Combo Breaker, and CEO being major qualifiers for games like Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, and Fatal Fury. For mobile games, mainstream hits like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Free Fire, PUBG MOBILE, and Honor of Kings will host regional leagues in Southeast Asia, MENA, and LATAM to decide national representatives for the World Cup.
There is one last chance qualifier in July for some titles such as Chess, Overwatch 2, and EA SPORTS FC 25. They will provide emerging stars and up-and-coming players with that last chance to qualify for their place on the Riyadh stage.
Alongside the tournament format, Road to EWC is also backed by a multi-platform content approach. From behind-the-scenes exclusives and player interviews to informative pieces on each game, the campaign is built to involve fans more closely with the competition and the people behind it.
Are you ready for the EWC 2025? For tickets, click here, and if you still have any queries regarding it, let us know in the comments below.