Starting July 16, the global League of Legends community will once again turn its attention to Saudi Arabia, where the Esports World Cup 2025 kicks off, a mega-tournament uniting top teams from around the world. This year's event holds special significance following the dramatic conclusion of the Mid-Season Invitational 2025, where Gen.G defeated T1 in the grand final with a score of 3:2.
Tournament Format
Group Stage (July 16-17). The group stage will feature 8 teams — 6 of the lowest-ranked participants from MSI 2025 and 2 teams that failed to qualify for the tournament. They will be split into two GSL groups of four teams each. All matches will be played in a bo1 format. The top two teams from each group advance to the playoffs.
Playoffs (July 18-20). The playoff stage will feature 8 teams: the top 4 teams from MSI 2025 and the top 4 teams from the group stage. All matches, except for the grand final, will be bo3. The grand final will be bo5. Throughout the tournament, the Fearless Draft system will be in effect — no hero can be picked multiple times within a single series.
Opening Matches
Odds provided by Stake and are current at the time of publication.
Main Favorite — Gen.G
The Korean powerhouse Gen.G is in fantastic form. Since their loss in the LCK Cup 2025 final to Hanwha Life Esports in February, the team hasn't lost a single series — their win streak now stands at 23 consecutive victories. Gen.G's dominance began with a flawless run through the LCK 2025 Season Rounds 1-2 and was solidified at MSI, where they not only reached the final through the upper bracket but also defeated their arch-rivals T1 in a dramatic match.
Gen.G's strategy embodies discipline, map control, and incredible team synergy. They arrive at the Esports World Cup 2025 as the strongest team in the world, and with such form, it's hard not to consider them the main contender for the title.
Title Contenders — T1 and Anyone’s Legend
Despite their loss in the MSI final, T1 shouldn't be counted out. The start of the year was challenging for them: inconsistent form, roster questions, and uncertainty with the ADC role. However, by the end of the spring split and in the LCK Road to MSI 2025, the team regained momentum, crushing Hanwha Life 3:0 and returning to the international stage. At MSI, T1 showcased their class, pushing Gen.G to their limits in the final. Now they arrive in Saudi Arabia as the reigning Esports World Cup champions, with the main goal of breaking their rivals' win streak and retaining the title.
Another serious contender is Anyone’s Legend, champions of the LPL. The Chinese team has already proven their competitiveness, playing on par with Gen.G and T1 at MSI 2025. Their aggression, synergy, and flexibility in drafts allow them to challenge anyone. AL might be the force that restores the Chinese region's glory as international champions.
Dark Horses — CTBC Flying Oyster and FlyQuest
The main sensation of MSI — CTBC Flying Oyster. The Taiwanese representatives took T1 to five maps in the first round and then eliminated Movistar KOI — Europe's best team — in the lower bracket. Their style is smart adaptation, opponent preparation, and unpredictable drafts. CFO arrives at the EWC as a dark horse, and it's unlikely anyone will underestimate their potential after their MSI performance.
Another team worth watching is FlyQuest. The North American representatives may not have been the most stable, but they have proven they can take maps from even top teams. Their development in 2025 is impressive, and the Esports World Cup might be the tournament where FlyQuest makes a breakthrough.
Worth Watching — Hanwha Life Esports
Although Hanwha Life Esports didn't compete at MSI 2025, they remain one of Korea's strongest teams. They were the last to defeat Gen.G, so their potential is immense. The only question mark is their current form, as their last official match was over a month ago. If the team is in shape, they could be a significant threat in the tournament.
Final Thoughts
The Esports World Cup 2025 promises to be one of the most thrilling tournaments in modern League of Legends history. Gen.G is on a quest for another international title with an incredible win streak, T1 seeks revenge and aims to defend their trophy, while Anyone’s Legend prepares to conquer the world. All of this is set against a backdrop of dark horses, ambitious contenders, and long-standing rivalries.
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