Esports World Cup Foundation

🎉 𝐄𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐩 2025 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐮𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫 🎥 With Chess set to join the Esports World Cup 2025 line up, Ralf Reichert, EWCF CEO, and Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen discuss why the addition of Chess is a milestone for the world’s largest esports and gaming festival. They highlighted how Chess, with its rich history, seamlessly intersects with the cutting edge esports games at EWC, appealing to a wider audience and enriching the competition's diversity by showcasing the intellectual depth and strategic brilliance that define esports as a whole. 🏆 “Bringing Chess, a game that has been played for 1,500 years, to the Esports World Cup is a truly exciting moment,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “It’s the perfect example of how games evolve: from boards to screens, the core competition stays the same. Chess' rich history, global appeal, and thriving competitive scene make it a perfect fit for our mission to unite the world's most popular games and their passionate communities under one competitive umbrella. Partnering with the leading online platform for the game, Chess.com, and appointing the legendary Magnus Carlsen, a true GOAT of the sport, as the game’s ambassador, allows us to not only showcase Chess on a massive stage but also to drive innovation and growth within its already vibrant ecosystem. We're eager to see how our Clubs embrace this new challenge.” ♟️“I’m thrilled to see Chess join some of the biggest games in the world at the Esports World Cup," said Magnus Carlsen, Grandmaster. "This partnership is an incredible opportunity to grow the game, by introducing Chess to new audiences and inspiring the next generation of players. Being part of the esports family is an amazing opportunity for Chess to broaden its reach to a massive group of esports fans." Chess.com Watch the announcement video ⬇️ and read Ralf's interview with Forbes 🔗 in comments #EsportsWorldCup #Chess #EWCF #EWC2025 #MagnusCarlsen #Esports #Gaming

⚡ 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐩 2025 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 $1.5 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐨𝐥 ♟️ 🎮 Through a multi-year partnership with Chess.com, one of history’s most enduring and popular games joins the Esports World Cup to bring competitive Chess to new audiences. ✴ Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen will join Chess at the Esports World Cup as a Global Ambassador, to help inspire a new generation of players and fans, emphasizing the intellectual depth and excitement of Chess on a global stage. ♟️With origins tracing back over 1,500 years, Chess is one of the most popular games on the planet, with more than 600 million players to date, and Chess.com is the leading website for playing, learning, and enjoying chess with nearly 200 million members.  🕒 The format of the competition has been designed to bring competitive Chess to a new esports audience. Matches will be played in the rapid 10+0 Chess format, giving games a quick 10 minute pace to both engage viewers and find the best players who can continuously think on their feet. 🏁 As part of the partnership, the Champions Chess Tour (CCT), a fast Chess.com tournament circuit, will become the primary path for the world’s best Chess players to qualify for the EWC championship event. Two online tour events in February and May, boasting a combined $300k prize pool, will offer players the chance to compete on the world’s biggest esports stage. 🌐 The top 12 players will be invited to the EWC Chess tournament, which will take place between July 31 and August 3, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Players will compete for a share of the $1.5 million prize pool and valuable Club Championship points.  “Bringing chess, a game that has been played for 1,500 years, to the Esports World Cup is a truly exciting moment,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “It’s the perfect example of how games evolve: from boards to screens, the core competition stays the same. Chess' rich history, global appeal, and thriving competitive scene make it a perfect fit for our mission to unite the world's most popular games and their passionate communities under one competitive umbrella. Partnering with the leading online platform for the game, Chess.com, and appointing the legendary Magnus Carlsen, a true GOAT of the sport, as the game’s ambassador, allows us to not only showcase chess on a massive stage but also to drive innovation and growth within its already vibrant ecosystem. We're eager to see how our Clubs embrace this new challenge.” #EsportsWorldCup #Chess #EWCF #EWC2025 #MagnusCarlsen #Esports #Gaming

🚀 We’re welcoming back even more of the very best games to the 2025 Esports World Cup lineup! Here are the latest additions recently confirmed for the summer of 2025:   🎮 PUBG Mobile - Get ready for the ultimate battle royale experience, where strategy, precision, and survival instincts reign supreme. Witness clutch plays and dynamic teamwork as squads battle it out for glory on the grand stage. At the inaugural Esports World Cup in 2024, 28 teams competed, with Alpha7 emerging as champions, cementing their place in esports history.   🛡️ Apex Legends - This iconic battle royale has captivated millions with its dynamic gameplay, diverse cast of legends, and innovative movement mechanics. Set in the expansive Titanfall universe, Apex Legends continues to redefine the genre and thrill players worldwide. Last summer’s Finals went down in the history books as the longest (seven hours) and closest ever, with Alliance lifting the trophy - what will happen next year?   ⚽ EA FC 25 - One of the world’s most popular sports titles, EA FC will bring the excitement of football to Riyadh once again. From last-minute equalizers to stunning volleys, EA FC delivers all the drama fans love. Last year, João "jafonso" Vasconcelos stunned the world with an underdog run from the Last Chance Qualifier to the Grand Final, where he took the trophy home. Who will be the next champion to rise to the top?   🛰 Overwatch 2 - Dive back into the high-energy, team-based action of Overwatch 2, where synergy, strategy, and communication is key. In 2024, Crazy Raccoon’s all-Korean roster seized victory in last year’s EWC Grand Finals, defeating Toronto Ultra, but who will take the title in 2025? 🚀 Rocket League - Rocket League is back and ready to captivate fans with its simple yet thrilling car football/soccer - teams work to score goals through dynamic mechanics such as boosting and aerials. Following Team BDS’s thrilling 2024 victory, the stage is set for another summer of intense action. Get ready for high-flying plays and unpredictable moments as teams battle for glory! ⚔️  Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) - MLBB Mid Season Cup (MSC) and MLBB Women’s Invitational are set to return, where you are guaranteed to witness perfectly-planned teamfights and expert split-pushes! The 2024 EWC MSC ended with Malaysia’s Selangor Red Giants making history, securing the title in a thrilling seven-game series against Falcons AP.Bren. The MLBB Women’s Invitational also delivered unforgettable moments, with Smart Omega Empress stunning the world by defeating Team Vitality, ending their incredible 24-championship streak. The 2025 Esports World Cup is shaping up to be one for the ages. With our games roster continuing to expand, we're ensuring fans have more ways to celebrate, connect, and immerse themselves in the games they love. Which title are you most excited to see in 2025? Let us know in the comments. #EWC2025 #esports #EsportsWorldCup

🎉 We are excited to announce the 2025 EWCF Club Partner Program, now accepting applications from esports Clubs worldwide. This year, the pioneering program is expanding to include 40 Clubs and features a $20 million investment, promoting sustainable growth for esports organizations and further fuelling the rise of esports as a global sport. 📢  Applications are open to all Clubs with a strong competitive record, a substantial social media presence, and a vision to inspire the esports community and the international mainstream audience. 💡 Clubs accepted into the annual program will receive six-figure funding to grow their organization’s brand in 2025 and activate their fanbase leading up to and during the Esports World Cup 2025. 🌍 This year the Program will double down on international expansion, emphasizing key growth markets such as China, Southeast Asia, LATAM and MENA. 🔥 The Program will enable Clubs to connect with fans through engaging content and experiences leading up to and during the Esports World Cup 2025.  🗓️ Apply today at https://lnkd.in/eQn53md8. The deadline is January 10, 2025. 🗣️ Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “The EWCF Club Partner Program represents a significant step forward in our ongoing mission to foster a thriving ecosystem for esports Clubs worldwide while unlocking opportunities for organizations from some of the world’s fastest-growing esports markets, like China. Through this program, we enable partnered Clubs to attract fans with engaging content beyond the games, showcasing the personalities and talent of players, alongside their origin stories, while also developing their Clubs' brands as fan-favorite powerhouses in esports entertainment.” 🗣️ Joe Marsh, CEO, T1 Entertainment & Sports, commented: “By taking part in the EWC Club Partner Program this year, we had opportunities to further invest in our players, operations and community, creating an environment where we could perform at our best and compete at the highest level,” said. “This program is a true global initiative that unites clubs to help build a stronger and more sustainable esports ecosystem. We’re excited about the Club Partner Program in 2025, and how it will help us elevate T1 to even greater heights.” 🗣️ Steve Arhancet, Co-CEO, Team Liquid, added: “The inaugural program was an invaluable resource for our club, providing meaningful support that strengthened our decision-making to expand into new game titles. It contributed to one of the most successful competitive years in our 24-year history, including a strong second-place finish in the EWC 2024 Club Championship in 24'. We’re excited for the EWCF Club Partner Program in 2025 and the opportunities it brings while we continue to maintain our position as one of the most watched esports teams in the world.” #EsportsWorldCup #EWCF #EWCFClubPartnerProgram #esportsclubs #EWC2025

🎉We are excited to announce a multi-year partnership between the Esports World Cup and the Call of Duty League™ over the next three years! 🤝The new partnership will support the professional level of the Call of Duty® esports ecosystem and our mission to fuel the sustainable growth of esports as a global sport. 🗓️ In 2025, the iconic franchise will return to the Esports World Cup with its latest installment, Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6, extending the CDL season into August. That means more chances to compete, and bigger opportunities for players to make their mark on the world’s biggest esports stage. 🏆Call of Duty®: Warzone™ will also return for its second year following Team Falcons’ victory, which gave the club its first 1000 points towards winning the inaugural Club Championship. 🌍The collaboration kicks off today at the start of Call of Duty League's 6th season, setting the stage for an amazing CDL season, now including participation in the EWC next summer with life-changing prize money up for grabs. ↗ This is just the beginning. Throughout this partnership, we will unveil so much more as we continue to work with CDL to expand their entire competitive ecosystem and create opportunities for players—from amateurs to professionals—to join the action. 🗣️“Call of Duty® is one of the most celebrated games on the planet and has captivated global communities for generations," said Fabian Scheuermann, Chief Games Officer, Esports World Cup Foundation. “Together, we are creating new opportunities for players, from grassroots to elite competitors, to rise through the ranks and compete on the world’s biggest stage. As we continue to grow the largest-ever celebration of esports excellence, we look forward to welcoming all players into a life-changing global event, one that connects players, games, fans, and the entire esports industry under one banner.” 🗣️“The Call of Duty League™ is thrilled to partner with the Esports World Cup to support the continued growth of competitive Call of Duty,” added Daniel Tsay, General Manager, Call of Duty Esports. “Our pro players and affiliated orgs had a great time competing during last year’s EWC tournament and showcased how fun and intense pro-am style competition can be. This partnership gives our players, community and fans even more opportunities to enjoy premium competitive Call of Duty for years to come.” #EWC2025 #esports #EsportsWorldCup #callofduty #callofdutyleague

We’re welcoming back some of the hottest games to the 2025 Esports World Cup lineup! Here are the latest additions confirmed for the summer of 2025: 🔥Free Fire – Featuring fast-paced battle royale matches where every decision counts, Free Fire is quick, tactical, and action-packed - with a focus on survival and strategy. Esports World Cup Champions Team Falcons lifted this trophy early into their 2024 campaign. When the entire tournament came down to the last round, they made sure to secure the Booyah (first place) to bring things home! 👊 Street Fighter 6 – This legendary fighting franchise continues to define the genre with cutting-edge visuals, smooth mechanics, and fierce competition. Don’t miss out as combos fly and champions are crowned! 2024 saw KuaiShou Gaming’s Xiao Hai dominate throughout with some superb performances on Ken, M. Bison, and Dee Jay. 🖥️ Dota 2 – A classic that never gets old, this MOBA masterpiece is all about teamwork and strategy in one of the most complex and rewarding esports titles out there. The Riyadh Masters ended with Gaimin Gladiators defeating Team Liquid 3-0, a Grand Final matchup that happened just two months later at The International, but with a very different result! 🛡️Rainbow Six Siege: The tactical FPS that has captivated players with its strategic depth and high-stakes action that commands both precision and coordination. Earlier this summer we saw Team BDS take down w7m esports in the Grand Final with a clean 3-0! 🎯Counter-Strike 2 - A legendary and industry-defining tactical FPS returns for 2025. As one of the world’s biggest esports, CS2’s simple format makes it easy to understand, but deceivingly difficult to master. The inaugural EWC tournament saw Copenhagen Major winners Natus Vincere lift yet another trophy, reverse sweeping G2 Esports to win 2-1! 2025 is set to be unforgettable - which of these games are you most excited about and what other titles do you hope to see in the future? #EWC2025 #esports #EsportsWorldCup

🔥 Big news! The first games for the 2025 Esports World Cup are here: 👉 Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 🎮 👉 Honor of Kings 👑 👉 Call of Duty: Warzone 🪖 With its gripping narrative and advanced mechanics, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, one of the most popular video game franchises on the planet, is set to raise the bar for FPS titles, while the world's most-played MOBA game, Honor of Kings, will keep spectators on the edge of their seats. Additionally, Call of Duty: Warzone promises fast-paced action and epic tactical gameplay that will captivate fans and players alike. Stay tuned for more game announcements and updates! 🎮🏆 #EWC2025 #esports #EsportsWorldCup

👀 EWC 2025 madness is about to kick off again! While we're getting ready to start the engines again, take a look at 2024 numbers ⬇ 🎥 Re-live the highlights from an event that redefined the esports landscape. Over 8 weeks, the EWC brought together 200+ clubs and 1,500+ players from more than 70 countries, creating a truly global celebration of competitive gaming. 💻🎮 EWC 2025 is returning for July and August 2025 - watch this space for the first returning and new game announcements coming soon!    #EsportsWorldCup #EWC2025  #esports #gaming

🎉 The inaugural Esports World Cup is in the books, and it was a resounding success! HRH Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: "The Esports World Cup has underscored the transformative impact of esports and the pivotal role that this incomparable industry now plays in cultures and societies all around the world – its inclusive and empowering nature is something truly unique. For eight successive weeks, this unparalleled event has brought the entire international gaming community together like never before – inviting all to participate in this milestone moment in esports history. We could not be more delighted with what’s transpired this summer – it’s a historic moment in time that Saudi Arabia and the world will always remember fondly.” Here are some incredible highlights: 🌎 500+ million viewers and 250+ million hours of content consumed 🏟️ More than 2 million visitors to the Esports World Cup festival in Riyadh 💰 Over $60 million awarded in prize money – the largest in esports history! 🎮 21 games, 22 competitions, 1,500+ players and 200+ Clubs from over 100 countries Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “The Esports World Cup has been an incredible success in year one, driving global esports to new heights. I’m proud of accomplishing what we set out to do: bringing together the best games, Clubs and players, offering a life-changing prize pool and building the world’s largest esports festival. Congratulations to Team Falcons, who were rewarded for their competitive excellence and investment across many new games by becoming the first Esports World Cup Club Champion. I can’t wait to gather the best of the industry again for another epic EWC in 2025!” Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “The Esports World Cup was a unique event that brought together the best players, teams, games, and fans in one location. In addition, the Esports World Cup is also a prime example that our investments and our willingness to build projects at this massive scale are primarily aimed to fulfill the passion of our youth for gaming and esports. We are focused on developing esports in Saudi Arabia and we are determined to obtain our vision of developing this sector into a fully functioning industry that tailors to the interests of our local population. Our aim is to become a global hub for gaming and esports; to elevate the sector, contribute meaningfully to its development, and shape its future on a global scale.” 🗓️ Mark your calendars for another epic summer celebration of esports. #ewc #esports #gaming #riyadh

🎉 The inaugural Esports World Cup is in the books, and it was a resounding success! HRH Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: "The Esports World Cup has underscored the transformative impact of esports and the pivotal role that this incomparable industry now plays in cultures and societies all around the world – its inclusive and empowering nature is something truly unique. For eight successive weeks, this unparalleled event has brought the entire international gaming community together like never before – inviting all to participate in this milestone moment in esports history. We could not be more delighted with what’s transpired this summer – it’s a historic moment in time that Saudi Arabia and the world will always remember fondly.” Here are some incredible highlights: 🌎 500+ million viewers and 250+ million hours of content consumed 🏟️ More than 2 million visitors to the Esports World Cup festival in Riyadh 💰 Over $60 million awarded in prize money – the largest in esports history! 🎮 21 games, 22 competitions, 1,500+ players and 200+ Clubs from over 100 countries Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “The Esports World Cup has been an incredible success in year one, driving global esports to new heights. I’m proud of accomplishing what we set out to do: bringing together the best games, Clubs and players, offering a life-changing prize pool and building the world’s largest esports festival. Congratulations to Team Falcons, who were rewarded for their competitive excellence and investment across many new games by becoming the first Esports World Cup Club Champion. I can’t wait to gather the best of the industry again for another epic EWC in 2025!” Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “The Esports World Cup was a unique event that brought together the best players, teams, games, and fans in one location. In addition, the Esports World Cup is also a prime example that our investments and our willingness to build projects at this massive scale are primarily aimed to fulfill the passion of our youth for gaming and esports. We are focused on developing esports in Saudi Arabia and we are determined to obtain our vision of developing this sector into a fully functioning industry that tailors to the interests of our local population. Our aim is to become a global hub for gaming and esports; to elevate the sector, contribute meaningfully to its development, and shape its future on a global scale.” 🗓️ Mark your calendars for another epic summer celebration of esports. #ewc #esports #gaming #riyadh