From July 8 to 19, the world's Dota 2 elite will gather in Riyadh for the Esports World Cup 2025—one of the year's most prestigious tournaments. Sixteen teams will compete for the championship title, a prize pool of $3,000,000, and crucial points for the EWC Club Championship.
Tournament Format
The Esports World Cup 2025 for Dota 2 will take place in three stages. The group stage kicks off on July 8, with 16 teams divided into four groups of four. All matches are in a bo2 format. Group winners advance directly to the playoffs, while teams in 2nd to 4th places continue their fight in the Gauntlet stage.
The Gauntlet stage will be held from July 13–15, determining four additional playoff participants. From July 16 to 19, decisive matches will be played in a Single Elimination format. All series are bo3, with the final being bo5. Besides the prize money, each victory adds points to the overall EWC Club Championship standings.
Opening Matches
- Team Spirit (2.05) vs. Xtreme Gaming (6.60)
- Talon Esports (3.10) vs. Natus Vincere (3.30)
- Team Falcons (1.55) vs. Execration (8.50)
- BetBoom Team (2.90) vs. Gaimin Gladiators (3.60)
- Tundra Esports (1.45) vs. Virtus.pro (9.00)
- Aurora Gaming (2.05) vs. Team Yandex (5.80)
- PARIVISION (1.40) vs. HEROIC (10.00)
- Team Liquid (1.82) vs. Shopify Rebellion (6.60)
Main Favorite — PARIVISION
PARIVISION enters the Esports World Cup 2025 as the number one team in the EPT Leaderboard. Their consistency, deep synergy, and aggressive playstyle make them the tournament's main favorites. They've proven they can compete at the highest level and have every chance of claiming the title.
Title Contenders
Team Spirit
An experienced team with a roster that has won The International twice, always dangerous in key moments. After some instability in the first half of the year, they are eager to reclaim their status as world leaders.
Tundra Esports
One of the most stable and competitive teams of 2025. They showcase excellent discipline, map control, and skill in the late game stages, making them serious contenders for the title.
Worth Watching — Team Falcons
Falcons—the 2024 EWC Club Championship champions. They have one of the best rosters, which has already proven capable of winning despite recent tournament struggles. Their aggressive style and flexibility in character selection could make them one of the unexpected winners.
Defending Champion — Gaimin Gladiators
Last year's Esports World Cup champions return, but the 2025 season has been challenging due to internal issues and poor performances. However, their experience and desire to defend the title may help them find their game and surprise everyone.
The Esports World Cup 2025 for Dota 2 will be held from July 8 to 19 in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Teams will compete for a prize pool of $3,000,000. Follow the schedule, results, and all tournament news at the link.
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