Riot Games has officially partnered with the Esports World Cup (EWC) to bring three of its biggest competitive titles—League of Legends, Valorant, and Teamfight Tactics (TFT)—to the 2025 edition of the tournament.
This landmark three-year agreement will integrate these games into one of the most ambitious esports events on the global stage.
A New Competitive Era for Riot’s Esports Titles
The Esports World Cup, held annually in Saudi Arabia, has rapidly gained prominence as a premier international competition, attracting top-tier teams and players. While League of Legends and TFT have previously been part of the event, 2025 marks the first time Valorant will be officially included under Riot’s direct involvement.
This deal represents a significant shift in Riot’s approach to external esports tournaments. Unlike past iterations, where Riot did not actively promote its titles in the event, the new partnership ensures that League of Legends Esports, the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT), and TFT will have dedicated LAN broadcasts and greater visibility.
Image via EWC.
Key Details About Riot Games’ Integration into EWC 2025
- Three-year agreement: Riot Games and the EWC Foundation have signed a deal ensuring League of Legends, Valorant, and TFT remain part of the event through at least 2027.
- First-ever Valorant inclusion: Riot’s FPS joins the tournament officially for the first time, expanding the global competitive scene.
- Broadcast rights & LAN events: The agreement allows for full-scale live coverage of LoL Esports, VCT, and TFT events, enhancing global audience engagement.
- Game Changers excluded: Despite earlier leaks suggesting Valorant’s Game Changers circuit might be included, Riot has confirmed that the female-focused competitive series will not be part of EWC 2025.
- Awaiting team invitations: While official team invitations remain unannounced, powerhouse organizations like KRÜ Esports and Leviatán could be among the Latin American representatives, given their stellar performances in VCT Americas 2024.
Image via EWC.
What This Means for the Esports Landscape
With Riot Games now fully onboard, the Esports World Cup solidifies its position as a must-watch event for fans across multiple competitive gaming communities.
The 2024 edition of the tournament already set new records, drawing over 1 million peak viewers during the League of Legends final between T1 and Top Esports. With Valorant now in the mix, viewership and competitive stakes are expected to soar even higher.
Final Thoughts
The inclusion of Riot’s most popular titles in a multi-game event of this scale signals a new era for international esports competitions. As teams prepare for the 2025 showdown, fans can anticipate high-caliber clashes featuring some of the best players and organizations in the world.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Joins Esports World Cup 2025 – Everything You Need to Know