The Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh is shaping up to be an exciting event with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) and Rocket League joining the lineup of competing titles.
Both games are making a return, offering even more thrilling esports action for fans around the world. As the event draws closer, more details are being released about what to expect from these highly popular games.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang at the Esports World Cup 2025
For the second consecutive year, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang will host its prestigious Mid Season Cup (MSC) and Women’s Invitational (MWI) at the Esports World Cup 2025.
Both tournaments are expected to bring top-tier competition, with the MSC continuing its tradition of showcasing the best teams from around the globe. The 2024 MSC was a huge success, with Selangor Red Giants taking home the $3 million prize pool, and the tournament reaching an impressive 2.38 million peak viewers.
The MLBB Women’s Invitational, which took place for the first time at the inaugural Esports World Cup, also garnered significant attention, drawing 265,117 peak viewers.
In 2025, this event will expand further, with plans to feature even more teams from across the globe. Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games, shared his excitement: “The return of both tournaments to the EWC next year reflects the global status of the MLBB brand.”
Rocket League Returns with a Bigger Prize Pool
Rocket League is also making its return to the Esports World Cup 2025, following a successful event in 2024 where Team BDS claimed victory and took home a large portion of the $500,000 prize pool.
For the upcoming 2025 edition, Psyonix has significantly increased the event prize pool to $5 million, aiming to bolster the game’s competitive ecosystem. Despite some recent concerns regarding the sustainability of Rocket League esports, with several organizations leaving the scene, the developer’s new initiatives look set to reinvigorate the competitive landscape.
Last year’s event featured 16 teams battling for a spot in the final, with Team BDS defeating Team Falcons in the grand final. The event’s success highlights Rocket League’s continued appeal as a competitive title in the esports world.
Growing Esports World Cup Lineup
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Rocket League join a list of already confirmed titles for the 2025 Esports World Cup, which includes high-profile games such as EA FC 25, Call of Duty, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike 2. As the event nears, more games are expected to be added to the list, making this one of the most diverse esports tournaments in recent years.
The Esports World Cup Foundation has been actively working to expand its reach by partnering with 40 organizations to attract teams from regions such as China, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and MENA. This expanded network is expected to bring a wealth of new talent and excitement to the tournament.
Controversy and Criticism
While the Esports World Cup promises to be a massive spectacle for esports enthusiasts, it has not been without its controversy. The event’s ties to the Saudi Arabian government have attracted criticism, particularly concerning the country’s stance on women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights.
The Esports World Cup Foundation has yet to fully address these concerns, but they continue to move forward with plans to make the event one of the most significant in the global esports calendar.
A Must-Watch Event for Esports Fans
With Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Rocket League joining the Esports World Cup 2025, the event is set to be a thrilling experience for fans worldwide. Both games have their unique appeal, from the strategic team fights in MLBB to the fast-paced action in Rocket League.
As the competition heats up, esports fans can expect even more exciting matches, high stakes, and record-breaking viewership. As we await more details on the tournament format and additional titles, one thing is for sure: the Esports World Cup 2025 is shaping up to be a must-watch event in the esports calendar.
Esports World Cup Foundation Expands Partner Program to Benefit 40 Organizations