The 2025 Esports World Cup, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 8 to August 24, marked a significant milestone in the competitive gaming landscape. Organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation, a non-profit entity funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, the event featured 26 tournaments across 25 different esports titles, boasting a combined prize pool of $71.5 million.

This year's Esports World Cup introduced several new titles to its roster, including online chess, the fighting game "Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves," tactical shooters "Crossfire" and "Valorant," and the battle royale game "Naraka: Bladepoint." Notably, "Valorant" made its debut in the tournament, following a three-year partnership between Riot Games and the Esports World Cup Foundation.

The chess segment of the tournament was particularly noteworthy, with Norwegian Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen clinching the inaugural Esports World Cup chess title on August 1, 2025. Carlsen triumphed over fellow top player Alireza Firouzja in the final, securing a grand prize of $250,000 and contributing to Team Liquid's strong performance in the overall standings.

In the "Valorant" tournament, Team Heretics emerged victorious, defeating Fnatic in a thrilling 3–2 reverse sweep final. The tournament featured 16 teams, each vying for a share of the substantial prize pool. Mert "Wo0t" Alkan of Team Heretics was honored with the Most Valuable Player award for his exceptional performance throughout the competition.

The Esports World Cup 2025 not only showcased the evolving nature of competitive gaming but also highlighted the growing global interest and investment in the esports industry. With its diverse range of games and substantial prize pools, the event underscored the significance of esports as a mainstream form of entertainment and competition. As the industry continues to expand, tournaments like the Esports World Cup play a pivotal role in shaping the future of competitive gaming.