Esports World Cup 2025: League of Legends Returns With Bigger Format and $2M Prize Pool
Riot Games and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) are teaming up once again to bring League of Legends back to the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this time, with a broader format, more teams, and a massive $2 million prize pool.
As part of a three-year partnership that ensures Riot titles will be featured at the event through 2027, League of Legends will headline one of the most anticipated esports showdowns of the summer. Fans can expect elite international play from July 16 to July 20, 2025, continuing the momentum built during the inaugural tournament last year.
League of Legends EWC 2025 Schedule & Format
Group Stage (July 16–17)
- Eight teams seeded 5th through 12th from the 2025 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI).
- Split into two groups of four.
- Double-elimination brackets, best-of-one matches.
- Top two teams from each group qualify for the Playoffs.
Playoffs (July 17–20)
Eight total teams:
- Top 4 MSI seeds (auto-qualified).
- Top 2 from each Group Stage bracket.
Single-elimination format.
Quarterfinals (July 17–18): Best-of-three.
Semifinals (July 19): Best-of-three.
Final (July 20): Best-of-five.
Prize Pool and MVP Bonus
Total prize pool: $2,000,000 USD
MVP Award: $10,000 bonus to the tournament’s top-performing player.
This distribution reflects Riot and EWCF’s continued effort to provide meaningful financial incentives and global prestige to League of Legends teams outside the standard competitive season.
A Look Back: EWC 2024 Recap
The inaugural League of Legends Esports World Cup in 2024 provided a rare third international tournament, offering elite-level matches outside of MSI and Worlds.
T1 made history as the first EWC champions:
- Defeated Bilibili Gaming 2-1 in the quarterfinals.
- Beat Team Liquid 2-1 in the semis.
- Triumphed over Top Esports 3-1 in the final to lift the trophy.
T1’s run set a high bar for what fans can expect in 2025 especially as they attempt to become back-to-back EWC champions.
What Makes This Tournament Unique?
The EWC isn’t just another global competition it’s part of the Club Championship, a system rewarding organizations for consistent performance across multiple games. Teams participating in League of Legends also contribute to their club’s overall EWC ranking, adding another layer of competitive stakes.
With the return of top-tier international teams, high stakes, and fresh rivalries, the Esports World Cup 2025 League of Legends tournament is shaping up to be one of the marquee esports events of the year.
What are your thoughts on the EWC? Do you think T1 will win it all again? Let us know who you are cheering for in the comments section down below!
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