The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially launched its global ‘Road to EWC’ campaign, which unveils its qualification system for the multi-title esports tournament.
With over 200 tournaments across the entire world, the Road to EWC will offer players at every level of play the chance to compete in the Esports World Cup, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7th to August 24th.
The Road to EWC will also feature a multi-channel marketing campaign with original content taken from selected qualifier events and partner leagues around the world. According to a release, player interviews and behind-the-scenes access will be introduced, explaining EWC games to a broader audience ahead of the offline tournament this summer.
Based on the game title, there will be different qualification pathways to the tournament. Official publisher circuits will serve as the primary route for games like League of Legends, VALORANT, Overwatch 2 and Apex Legends.
Other games like Dota 2, Teamfight Tactics, and Starcraft II will feature open online qualifiers, while mobile titles will have region-specific leagues and send their best representative to the competition. For fighting games like Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, and Fatal Fury, community-driven tournaments such as EVO Japan, Combo Breaker, and CEO will determine the qualified participants. Moreover, a series of Last Chance Qualifiers will also be held prior to the event, giving one last opportunity for players to earn their access.
The 2025 Esports World Cup will feature a total of 25 tournaments across 24 game titles, having included four new games (Chess, Crossfire, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, and VALORANT).
Compared to 2024, the prize pool will be increased to $70m (~£54.3m), marking an increase of $10m (~£7.7m). Out of the $70 million, $27m (~£20.9m) will be distributed via the EWC Club Championship, giving esports teams extra financial incentive during the competitive season on top of its partner programme.
Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer, of the Esports World Cup Foundation, commented on the announcement: “Road to EWC is a platform for every player, Club, and community whose journey defines the spirit of competition.
“By connecting hundreds of tournaments across the world, we are creating life-changing opportunities for players at every level, bringing the world’s best talent to Riyadh. This is how we grow the sport – by growing our partnerships, investing in competitions and laying the foundation for sustainable growth across the industry.”