The wait is over. The Esports World Cup 2025 is bringing top Counter-Strike 2 teams from around the world to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from August 20 to 24. With a huge $1.25 million prize pool on the line, fans can expect a week full of intense matches, big plays, and non-stop action.
Esports World Cup 2025 CS2: Teams, Format, Prizes
Top Teams Get Invited
The best 15 teams were invited based on their VRS rankings, showing their strong performances over the past season. The final 16th spot was won through a regional event. Here’s the list of all teams joining the battle:
- 3DMAX
- Astralis
- Aurora Gaming
- FaZe Clan
- G2 Esports
- GamerLegion
- HEROIC
- MOUZ
- Natus Vincere (NAVI)
- Team Falcons
- Team Liquid
- Team Spirit
- Team Vitality
- The MongolZ
- Virtus.Pro
- TYLOO (qualified by winning the 2025 Asian Champions League)
The Chinese team TYLOO earned their ticket by defeating Lynn Vision in the grand final of the Asian Champions League, grabbing the only slot reserved for Asia.
NAVI Returns as Defending Champion
Even though they’re not in their best form right now, NAVI is returning to defend the title they won last year by beating G2 Esports in the final. Fans are excited to see if they can repeat that success.
Teams like Astralis and GamerLegion, who couldn’t qualify for the BLAST.tv Austin Major, will be looking to prove themselves on this big stage.
No Group Stages This Time
This tournament is different. There will be no group stages. From the start, every team will be in a single-elimination playoff bracket. That means if a team loses even once, they’re out.
This “do-or-die” format will bring high pressure right from the first match. There’s no time to warm up. Teams must give their best from the very first round. All matches will be full of tension and action.
Prize Money Breakdown
Here’s how the $1.25 million prize pool will be shared:
- 1st Place: $500,000
- 2nd Place: $230,000
- 3rd-4th Place: $100,000 each
- 5th-8th Place: $40,000 each
- 9th-16th Place: $20,000 each
Every team will go home with something, showing the event’s goal of supporting all competitors.
Club Championship Adds Even More Excitement
The Esports World Cup also features the Club Championship Program. The top 16 esports organizations across all games can earn rewards from a $27 million prize pool. For CS2, teams that finish in the top 8 will gain points toward this.
The top team at the end of the World Cup will receive an amazing $7 million bonus, giving even more reason for teams to fight hard.
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