The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 is set to take place in Riyadh this summer, and anticipation is at an all-time high.
In recent weeks, the EWC’s official channels have been actively revealing information about the various tournaments set to unfold, with the latest focus being on Dota 2.
Tournament organizers have now unveiled key details about one of the most important esports events of the year, including the prize pool, format, and participating teams.
Prize Pool Reduction in Riyadh Masters 2025
One of the most surprising announcements for Riyadh Masters 2025 is the reduction in the prize pool. Unlike the previous year, which featured a $5 million prize pool, this year’s competition will see a drop to $3 million.
Additionally, the number of participating teams has also decreased. Last year’s event featured 20 teams, while this year, only 16 teams will compete. This reduction could be a direct factor in the smaller prize pool, or it could be linked to the increase in the number of tournaments under the EWC umbrella.
Regional Slots and the First Qualified Team
Along with the changes to the prize pool, EWC has also revealed how the 16 slots will be allocated among different regions. The first team to secure a spot in Riyadh Masters 2025 is none other than Gladiators, who qualified automatically as the defending champions of last year’s event.
Source: EWC
Regional Slot Allocation:
- 1 slot for the Closed Qualifier of each region:
- Southeast Asia (SEA)
- China
- South America
- North America
- Middle East & North Africa (MENA)
- Europe
- CIS
- 8 slots for the top 8 teams in the EPT ranking
Source: Liquipedia
This structured qualification system ensures that the tournament will feature elite competition from all over the world.
New Tournament Format for Riyadh Masters 2025
EWC has also introduced an updated tournament format for this edition of Riyadh Masters, aiming to enhance the competitiveness and excitement of the event.
Tournament Phases:
- Elimination Stage:
- The 16 teams will be divided into 4 groups of 4 teams.
- The top 3 teams from each group will advance to the next stage.
- Team Gauntlet Bracket:
- This is a bracket-based format where teams are placed based on their performance in the Elimination Stage.
- A similar format is used in the BLAST Slam tournaments.
- Playoffs:
- The top 8 teams from the Team Gauntlet Bracket will advance to the final stage.
- The Playoffs will follow a single-elimination format, ensuring intense and high-stakes matchups.
Tournament Schedule and Timeline
The Riyadh Masters 2025 will be held during weeks 28 and 29 of the year. This refers to the calendar weeks, not the actual duration of the event.
- Week 28: Monday, July 7 – Sunday, July 13
- Week 29: Monday, July 14 – Sunday, July 20
While the exact start and end dates of the tournament are yet to be confirmed, fans can expect the event to take place within this timeframe.
Source: X – EWC
With Riyadh Masters 2025 fast approaching, the Dota 2 esports scene is gearing up for an action-packed tournament. The reduced prize pool and updated format will introduce new dynamics, making this year’s competition more unpredictable than ever. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as teams battle for their share of the $3 million prize pool and the coveted championship title.
Stay tuned for further updates and prepare for one of the most anticipated Dota 2 tournaments of the year.