As competitive gaming continues its meteoric rise, the Esports World Cup 2025 emerges as the largest, most ambitious, and most anticipated esports event the world has ever seen. Hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this groundbreaking tournament brings together the top teams and players from across the globe to compete in more than 20 of the industry’s biggest titles. With a record-breaking prize pool exceeding $70 million, the stakes have never been higher for organizations, players, and fans alike.
Following a thrilling and transformative 2024 competitive season filled with major upsets, breakout stars, and dominant dynasties, all eyes are now on the EWC 2025. Fans are asking one critical question: Who will dominate the Esports World Cup 2025? From the high-octane gunfights of Valorant and Counter-Strike 2, to the strategic depth of Dota 2 and League of Legends, and the mobile battlefield of PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, every game promises to deliver epic clashes and unforgettable moments.
This year’s event isn’t just about individual glory or even national pride; it’s a battleground for global supremacy in esports. Legacy organizations like T1, Gaimin Gladiators, and FNATIC are preparing to defend their status, while rising challengers and underdog squads aim to make history on the biggest stage imaginable. The convergence of so many disciplines under one tournament makes the Esports World Cup unlike anything the industry has seen before.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the top contenders across all the headline titles. From their current form and recent wins to star players and potential weaknesses, we assess who’s best positioned to dominate and who might surprise the world. Welcome to the most important esports event of the decade.
League of Legends – KOI
Spanish esports organization KOI has rapidly become one of the most watched and promising teams in the League of Legends European Championship (LEC). Backed by streamer Ibai Llanos, KOI combines competitive ambition with massive viewership. Their 2025 LEC season has been impressive, finishing the regular season with a 6-3 record and placing 4th in playoffs after wins against Team BDS and GIANTX. With the addition of mid-laner Jojopyun and coach Hansen, KOI is poised for a strong showing in the Esports World Cup. Their momentum, star talent, and fan engagement make them a formidable force.
Counter-Strike 2 – Team Vitality
Team Vitality remains a titan in CS2, despite a slight dip in 2024. The addition of Robin “ropz” Kool in early 2025 has revitalized the squad. Star player Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut continues to dominate, backed by experienced IGL apEX. Their flawless victory at IEM Katowice 2025, defeating teams like FaZe Clan and Team Spirit, has re-established them as global leaders. Vitality’s ability to neutralize threats like donk from Team Spirit proves they are once again ready to challenge for top honors. The Bees are one of the favorites to answer the question: Who will dominate the Esports World Cup 2025?
Valorant – Paper Rex, Fnatic, G2 Esports & More
Valorant’s global scene is more competitive than ever, and several teams are set to make waves at the Esports World Cup 2025.
Paper Rex has had an explosive year, culminating in a dominant victory at VALORANT Masters Toronto 2025. After a shaky start to the season, they came back stronger than ever and now look like serious title contenders.
Fnatic, the EMEA Stage 1 champions and Masters Toronto finalists, have shown incredible resilience after an underwhelming start to 2025. Their revamped roster and newfound mental strength have turned them into one of the most balanced squads heading into the Esports World Cup.
G2 Esports, winners of the Americas Stage 1 and 4th at Masters Toronto, continue their reign as one of Valorant’s top-tier squads. Their upward trajectory from 2024 has carried through, making them strong candidates for a deep run.
Also in contention are Gen.G, Sentinels, DRX, and Rex Regum Qeon; each with solid regional performances and significant international experience. These teams may not yet be frontrunners, but could shift the competitive landscape during the event.
Dark Horses and Emerging Teams
Nongshim RedForce, formerly Sin Prisa Gaming, are worth keeping an eye on. Although they didn’t qualify for Masters Bangkok, their remarkable rise from Valorant’s Premier system to the VCT Pacific League shows they have the talent and tactics to surprise. They symbolize the untapped potential of South Korean Valorant.
Meanwhile, Edward Gaming and Team Heretics show potential but need more consistency to compete at the highest level.
So, who will dominate the Esports World Cup 2025 in Valorant? With so many strong contenders, this may be one of the most unpredictable titles.
PUBG Mobile – Regnum Carya Esports
Representing Turkey, Regnum Carya Esports has seen a meteoric rise in PUBG Mobile. After placing second at the 2024 Global Championship, just a single point behind champions Dplus, their momentum heading into 2025 is undeniable. Their incredible Grand Finals performance demonstrated resilience and elite decision-making. With growing regional viewership and a dedicated fan base, Regnum Carya is a dark horse to claim international victory. Their story is a compelling one for those wondering who will dominate the Esports World Cup 2025 in battle royale titles.
Apex Legends – Team Liquid
Team Liquid made a strong return to Apex Legends in 2024, building a new roster that quickly took the South American scene by storm. Their performances at the Esports World Cup qualifiers and the ALGS Americas Finals have proven that the organization is back in top form. Their branding power and massive international fanbase give them a promotional edge, while their gameplay continues to impress. If they carry this momentum forward, Team Liquid might well be the team to beat in Apex Legends.
The Race for Club Championship Supremacy
Beyond individual titles, the Esports World Cup 2025 also includes the Club Championship, where organizations collect points based on performance across all participating games.
Team Falcons, the 2024 champions, lead the charge again this year with 18 confirmed lineups. Their multi-game depth makes them early favorites to defend their title. As a Saudi Arabian organization, they’ll also enjoy home support throughout the event.
Team Liquid, with 11 lineups, ranks high in versatility and competitive strength. Although their 2024 second-place finish in Club standings was well below Falcons, they remain strong contenders to close the gap.
Team Vitality is also expected to push hard in CS2 and Rocket League, with competitive lineups in other titles potentially boosting their overall points. With solid showings across multiple esports, they might be a surprise package in the Club Championship.
Conclusion: Who Will Dominate the Esports World Cup 2025?
With powerhouse organizations, breakout teams, and unprecedented global attention, the Esports World Cup 2025 is set to redefine the landscape of competitive gaming. From KOI’s rise in League of Legends to Paper Rex’s dominance in Valorant, and from Regnum Carya’s heroics in PUBG Mobile to Team Vitality’s resurgence in CS2, the contenders are as exciting as they are diverse.
So, who will dominate the Esports World Cup 2025? While it’s impossible to crown a champion before the matches begin, the stage is set for epic battles, record-breaking viewership, and perhaps the emergence of a new esports dynasty. One thing is certain: fans around the world are in for a thrilling ride.
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FAQs
How is the Esports World Cup 2025 structured across multiple titles?
The Esports World Cup 2025 features a multi-title tournament format where each game has its own bracket, schedule, and prize pool. In addition to game-specific championships, a points-based Club Championship tracks overall organization performance across all titles. This dual-structure rewards both individual team victories and broader organizational success, encouraging teams to compete in multiple disciplines under one banner.
What makes the Esports World Cup 2025 different from past international esports events?
Unlike traditional single-game esports tournaments, the Esports World Cup 2025 is designed as a unified global spectacle, hosted in a centralized location with unprecedented production value and prize money. It includes dozens of game titles, high-level cross-discipline competition, and a full festival atmosphere featuring fan expos, cultural showcases, and influencer meetups, creating a hybrid of entertainment and esports at an entirely new scale.
Are there any regional wildcard teams or nations making their debut at the Esports World Cup 2025?
Yes, the 2025 edition includes wildcard entries and debut teams from emerging regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. These teams qualified through regional tournaments and developmental circuits, offering fresh narratives and the chance for lesser-known nations to leave a mark on the global stage.
