The next Esports World Cup (EWC) is ramping up excitement and looks to be the biggest yet. The EWC 2025 welcomes MLBB (Mobile Legends: Bang Bang) and Rocket League to its growing roster of games. The event, set to take place in Riyadh, will surely be a star-studded and massive celebration of competitive gaming.
This announcement marks the second consecutive year that MLBB will bring its Mid-Season Cup (MSC) and Women’s Invitational (MWI) to the EWC stage. Although Rocket League fans are still waiting for details about the tournament format, the inclusion alone is already sparking buzz.
Expanding the Esports World Cup Lineup
MLBB and Rocket League join an already impressive list of games for EWC 2025. Titles like EA FC 25, Call of Duty, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike 2 are also in the mix, with even more announcements expected. Esports fans should look forward to at least 20 games at the Esports World Cup 2025. The lineup reflects the diversity and growth of competitive gaming, catering to fans across genres.
This year’s Rocket League competition at EWC 2024 saw 16 teams battle it out for a hefty $500,000 prize pool. Team BDS emerged victorious, taking home a cool $200,000 after an intense showdown with Team Falcons in the Grand Finals. Despite concerns over the sustainability of Rocket League esports, Psyonix, the game’s developer, is stepping up in 2025 with a $5 million total prize pool and new initiatives to foster a stronger competitive ecosystem.
MLBB: A Crowd Favorite Returns
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has been a crowd-pleaser at the Esports World Cup, and its return in 2025 is no surprise. This year’s MSC delivered electrifying matches, with Selangor Red Giants taking the crown and sharing in a $3 million prize pool. The event hit a peak of 2.38 million viewers, highlighting its massive popularity.
The MLBB Women’s Invitational also made waves in 2024. Teams from 12 countries competed for a $550,000 prize pool, drawing 265,117 peak viewers and earning its spot as the sixth most-watched women’s esports event ever. MSC and MWI are set to return bigger and better in 2025.
Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games, shared his excitement about MLBB’s continued presence, saying, “The return of both tournaments to the EWC reflects the global status of the MLBB brand. I’m especially thrilled about the MWI’s growth, as we plan to include even more teams next year.”
Building Global Esports Connections
The EWC Foundation, which organizes the event, recently expanded its partner program to 40 organizations. This move aims to attract more teams from key regions like China, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and MENA, further solidifying the EWC’s role as a global esports hub.
However, the event hasn’t escaped controversy. Some critics have raised concerns over the EWC Foundation’s ties to the Saudi Arabian government, citing the country’s stance on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. Despite this, the EWC continues to draw massive attention and participation, showcasing the power and appeal of esports to unite players and fans worldwide.
With Rocket League and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang joining the roster, EWC 2025 is gearing up to be an unforgettable experience for gamers everywhere. The countdown to Riyadh has begun, and the esports community can hardly wait. Follow the Stratplays blog to stay updated on all the action.
