Esports World Cup 2025 in League of Legends will be the third and most anticipated international event of the year, gathering the strongest teams from all regions. The tournament will take place from July 16 to 20 in Riyadh and promises to be a true battleground for champions from MSI, top teams from LCK, and stars from LPL, LTA, LEC, and LCP. The prize pool is $2,000,000, but the main reward is the prestige and the opportunity to make a mark before Worlds 2025. All participants are already known — so it's time to assess their chances using the classic Tier List system.

S Tier — Absolute Favorites

Gen.G

Unbeatable, winners of MSI 2025 and LCK 2025 Split 2. Gen.G approaches the EWC as a victory machine with a streak of 23 consecutive series wins. Their precise macro, individual skill at every position, and phenomenal form of all team members make them the main contenders for the title.

T1

A team that needs no introduction. Despite some challenges at the start of the year, T1 hit their peak at MSI 2025, where they almost stopped Gen.G in the grand final. Faker is in brilliant form, and Doran and Oner rank among the top in statistics for top laners and junglers. Their goal is to prove that MSI was just an unfortunate mishap. Additionally, T1 will compete as the Title Defender.

A Tier — Potential Finalists

Anyone's Legend

Champions of LPL Split 2 2025, who continue to exceed expectations. The team that broke the hegemony of BLG is now preparing to do the same on the international stage. They have already shown excellent results at MSI 2025, only losing to LCK giants in tough five-match series.

Hanwha Life Esports

Third place in LCK and one of the hungriest teams in the tournament. After losing to T1 in the match for MSI 2025 qualification, they had enough time to correct mistakes, and now they will certainly try to reclaim the lead. The duo of Zeus and Zeka can dominate solo lanes, and creative drafts can turn the game at any stage. If HLE avoids self-destruction, they can easily reach the semifinals.

B Tier — Dark Horses with Ambitions

CTBC Flying Oyster

CFO proved their competitiveness at MSI and are now aiming for a new breakthrough. They are the main hope of LCP and have repeatedly defeated favorites on the international stage.

Bilibili Gaming

Despite a setback at MSI, BLG has serious experience and roster depth. Beichuan continues to gain experience steadily, and Elk is one of the most dangerous stars in the ADC position. They seek revenge for their disappointing MSI performance.

C Tier — Mid-Level but with Potential to Surprise

Movistar KOI

Champions of LEC Spring 2025 were a disappointment for many in the region, but they have something to prove. They are strong in macro play and know how to play through the top side of the map. If they don't crumble under pressure and fix existing mistakes, they have a chance to advance from the group stage.

Cloud9

LTA legends are here again. Their playstyle might be too "sharp" for stable Asian teams, but Blaber and Loki are a duo capable of winning a game almost single-handedly. Everything depends on drafts and the tournament start.

D Tier — Underdogs with Something to Prove

G2 Esports

The European giant seriously disappointed fans at MSI 2025. After a weak regular season and unstable play in the Play-in, G2 failed to overcome the first hurdle on the international stage. If they don't resolve their team synergy issues, another failure awaits them at EWC.

GAM Esports

The second representatives of LCP couldn't overcome the Play-in stage at MSI, but a lot of time has passed since then, and the team's form raises questions. They will fight, but the level of opponents is very high.

FURIA Esports

The Brazilian team continues to raise the level of their region, but they still lack experience on the international stage. The aggressive play of FURIA can cause problems, but beyond the early game, the team looks vulnerable.

Final Thoughts

Esports World Cup 2025 will be another test for regional balance in League of Legends. Gen.G and T1 look the strongest, but LPL should never be underestimated, and players from less powerful regions are capable of making big upsets. We can only wait for the tournament to start and see who will become the new global champion.