EWC 2025 League of Legends Tournament Kicks Off in Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — The highly anticipated League of Legends competition at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 officially began on Wednesday, July 16, marking a major moment for the global esports community. Hosting 12 of the world’s top teams from regions including Korea (LCK), China (LPL), Europe (LEC), and Latin America, the tournament features some of the biggest names in competitive gaming battling for a share of the $2 million prize pool.

Unlike previous events, EWC 2025 introduces a refreshed format with a group stage played in a double-elimination, single-match setup. Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the playoffs, which feature best-of series and increased tactical complexity thanks to the new “Fearless Draft” rule restricting repeated champion picks.

Defending champions T1, who recently competed at the Mid-Season Invitational, return to Riyadh aiming to defend their title against rivals like Gen.G, Hanwha Life Esports, and prominent LPL and LEC squads. South Latin America’s FURIA also enters the competition motivated to make history on the international stage.

The event is part of the broader Esports World Cup festival running through August and includes live broadcasts in multiple languages, aiming to reach audiences worldwide. As one of the largest esports prize pools and competitions of the year, EWC 2025 promises high-stakes matches and thrilling moments for fans and players alike.