The Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC) is shaping up to be an exciting event for competitive gaming, with the return of popular titles such as Dota 2 and Rainbow Six Siege.
The event, which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia next summer, continues to expand its roster of top-tier esports titles. Here’s everything you need to know about these two confirmed games and what we can expect from the 2025 edition of the EWC.
Dota 2’s Return to the Esports World Cup
Dota 2, one of the most iconic multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games by Valve, is set to return for the 2025 Esports World Cup. After making an appearance at the 2024 Riyadh Masters, Dota 2 is the fifth title confirmed for next year’s event, joining a growing list of esports games set to compete on this international stage.
Although the prize pool for the 2025 Dota 2 tournament has not yet been revealed, organizers have promised that the amount will be “life-changing” for the teams involved. This echoes the $5 million prize pool from the 2024 Riyadh Masters, where 20 teams competed for a share of the winnings.
The event also contributed to the $20 million Club Championship prize pool, which incentivized teams to earn points through their performances.
In addition to the competitive aspect, the 2024 Riyadh Masters saw impressive viewing figures, peaking at 419,244 viewers. With the return of Dota 2 to the EWC 2025, fans can expect another thrilling tournament with top-tier teams and intense gameplay.
Rainbow Six Siege Joins the EWC Lineup
Another exciting addition to the 2025 Esports World Cup is Rainbow Six Siege, the tactical first-person shooter developed by Ubisoft. After a strong year in 2024, including record viewership for its Six Invitational and the launch of a revamped esports revenue program, Rainbow Six Siege is back in action on the global stage. This is the seventh confirmed title for the 2025 EWC.
Like Dota 2, the exact prize pool for Rainbow Six Siege has not yet been disclosed. However, the 2024 tournament saw 16 teams battling it out for a share of the $2 million prize pool, as part of the Club Championship. Last year, Team BDS triumphed in the Grand Finals against w7m esports, solidifying their place as one of the top teams in the competitive scene.
The addition of Rainbow Six Siege to the 2025 EWC will undoubtedly bring more excitement to the competition, with fans looking forward to seeing the best teams showcase their strategic gameplay once again.
Confirmed Titles for Esports World Cup 2025
The Esports World Cup 2025 will feature a range of games across multiple genres, offering something for every type of esports fan. As of now, these are the confirmed titles:
- Dota 2 (MOBA)
- Rainbow Six Siege (FPS)
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (FPS)
- Call of Duty: Warzone (Battle Royale)
- Honor of Kings (MOBA)
- Free Fire (Battle Royale)
- Street Fighter 6 (Fighting)
With such a diverse selection of games, EWC 2025 promises to be one of the most exciting esports events of the year, bringing together the best players from around the world.
Criticism and Controversy Surrounding the EWC
While the Esports World Cup is set to be a premier event in the esports calendar, it has not been without its controversies. The event is organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation, which is backed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.
Saudi Arabia’s human rights record has been a point of contention for some within the esports community, with criticism directed at the country’s policies and actions. Despite these concerns, many teams and fans are excited about the opportunities provided by the EWC, with the event serving as a platform for esports to reach an even larger global audience.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Dota 2 and Rainbow Six Siege in the Esports World Cup 2025 adds to the growing anticipation for the event. With significant prize pools, top-tier teams, and exciting gameplay, the EWC is set to become one of the most important esports tournaments of the year.
However, the event’s location in Saudi Arabia and the associated controversies will continue to be a subject of discussion in the esports community. As the event draws closer, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the landscape of competitive gaming on a global scale.
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