Ronaldo, Magnus Carlsen, and a $70 M Prize: The Inside Story of the 2025 Esports World Cup
Esports World Cup Draws Global Superstars
Event Highlights
The Saudi-hosted Esports World Cup has quickly become one of the industry’s most dynamic events, attracting players from across the globe. With world‑class skill and hyper‑competitive matchups, the tournament is setting new records for attendance and viewership.
Celebrity Participation
Among the high‑profile names making headlines is Magnus Carlsen, the reigning chess champion, who has joined a challenge featuring strategic video games. Another star joining the fray is Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary footballer, who ventured into competitive online basketball.
- Magnus Carlsen’s appearance brings strategic depth to the championship.
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s involvement underscores the crossover appeal between traditional sports and digital arenas.
- Both players emphasize the event’s status as a mainstream phenomenon.
Impact on the Esports Landscape
The blend of top-tier gamers and internationally recognized athletes demonstrates how the Esports World Cup is bridging cultural gaps and turning esports into a global mainstream platform.
Esports World Cup Returns to Riyadh 2025
From humble beginnings in internet cafés and LAN soirées to a worldwide multimillion‑dollar phenomenon, esports has surged into the spotlight as one of today’s most exhilarating and rapidly expanding forms of entertainment. The latest showcase of this meteoric ascent is the Esports World Cup, hosting its second edition in the vibrant city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 8 July to 24 August 2025.
Event Highlights
- Organizers: The tournament is orchestrated by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
- Scale: This year’s lineup boasts 26 competitions covering 25 distinct titles, including flagship titles such as Counter‑Strike 2, League of Legends, Dota, Tekken 8, PUBG, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and EA Sports FC 25.
- Prizehouse: The event sets a new record with a staggering $70 million (€60 million) prize pool.
- Participants: Over 2,000 elite players will compete for the coveted title of world champion.
Why It Matters
This latest edition redefines the benchmarks for competitive gaming, proving that esports has evolved far beyond its niche roots to become a global entertainment force that captivates millions around the world.
Team T1 Triumphs in 2023 League of Legends World Championship
In the electric atmosphere of Seoul, T1 secured the 2023 League of Legends World Championship title by defeating Weibo Gaming on 19 November.
- Final Score: T1 3 – Weibo Gaming 0
- Victory marks T1’s fourth world title in the tournament’s history.
- Fans erupted in celebration as the team embraced the win on the field.
Photo credit: AP.
Global Chess League Showdown in Dubai
On July 1, 2023, Magnus Carlsen of the SG Alpine Warriors square off against Jan‑Krzysztof Duda from Chingari Gulf Titans during the Global Chess League event held in Dubai.
From Digital Roots to Global Spectacle
The rise of mobile, high‑speed internet, and streaming platforms has transformed casual gaming into an industry worth billions. Stadium‑sized crowds, massive sponsorships, and viewership figures that rival athletic sports now dominate the esports landscape.
Chess Steps Into the Spotlight
Leveraging platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and Chess.com, the classic board game has captured a new online-age audience. A prize pool of $1.5 million (€1.27 m) will be awarded, and top players have alighted professional teams to compete.
- Five‑time World Champion Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana represent Team Liquid.
- Hikaru Nakamura competes for Team Falcons.
- Ian Nepomniachtchi plays under the banner of Aurora Gaming.
Celebrity Endorsements Elevate the Event
Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the global ambassador, bringing his extensive fan base to the tournament. This partnership is expected to further elevate the championship’s profile.
New Game Titles Enrich the Competition
In addition to chess, this edition introduces several fresh titles, including:
- Crossfire – a tactical shooter.
- Valorant – an innovative team‑based shooter.
- Naraka: Bladepoint – a fast‑paced battle royale.
- Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves – a revival of classic combat gaming.
Access and Streaming
The championship will be broadcast live via Twitch and YouTube, ensuring millions of fans can tune in from any corner of the globe.
