The 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) is set to return in full force, and Counter-Strike 2 will once agaAin take center stage. Hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this year’s CS2 event brings together 16 of the world’s top teams competing for a massive $1.25 million prize pool.
With elite squads like FaZe Clan, NAVI, G2, and Team Vitality confirmed, fans can expect high-stakes action, packed arenas, and record-breaking viewership. From prize distribution to team invitations and live broadcast details, here’s everything you need to know about CS2 at EWC 2025.
1. Esports World Cup: Location, Time, Prize Pool
Time: August 20-24, 2025 (or estimated to be late July to early August based on the competition period)
Location: Boulevard Riyadh City offline main venue, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Total prize pool: US$1.25 million
Prize structure:
Champion: US$500,000
Runner-up: US$230,000
Third place (3rd-4th): US$100,000 each
Quarter (5th-8th): US$40,000 each
9th-16th: US$20,000 each
Saudi Arabia also announced that the total prize money for e-sports, including CS2, is as high as US$70 million, reflecting its huge investment in e-sports.
2. Confirmed lineup: 16 teams gathered together
So far, EWC has confirmed 16 top CS2 teams to participate, covering two invitation mechanisms:
Official invitation (16 teams)
Based on the Valve Regional Ranking (VRS), 15 strong teams were invited:
AWP, Vitality, G2, NAVI, Team Spirit, FaZe, Complexity, FURIA, Team Liquid, Virtus.pro, MOUZ, Aurora, Falcons, The MongolZ, TYLOO
The remaining seat was decided through a closed-door qualifier, OG, NAVI and Virtus.pro have been invited to participate in the qualifier.
Qualifying
Another 6 teams advanced based on geographical points, including:
PARIVISION (EPT points list No. 1), Team Falcons, Team Spirit, Tundra Esports, BetBoom Team, Team Liquid
The remaining places will be filled through regional competitions in Europe, America, Southeast Asia, etc., for a total of 16 places.
3. Schedule format and viewing method
Competition system arrangement
Group stage + promotion match: The specific plan has not been disclosed by the official yet, but it will adopt a double-elimination or Swiss system based on the practice of the previous year.
Playoffs: After the quarterfinals, it may adopt a double-elimination, BO3/BO5 format, and the final is expected to be BO5.
Viewing platform
On-site viewing: Boulevard Riyadh City, Riyadh, ticket prices range from US$55 to US$1,300
Online live broadcast: Twitch and official channels unblocked live broadcast, including full commentary and on-site interviews.
4. The significance and influence behind the Esports World Cup
Saudi Arabia accelerates the layout of its e-sports strategy
Since last year, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily, including club support funds and a total reward of US$70 million, to build a global e-sports center with the Vision 2030 strategy.
CS2 has a solid position as a flagship project
Since its debut at EWC in 2024, CS2 has continued to be the main force of Tier-1 events. This year, it still maintains a high-standard lineup and prize money, demonstrating Valve’s investment and ecological attention.
The event ecology further drives regional growth
Regional points and qualifying competitions provide small and medium-sized teams with a promotion channel, stimulate the potential of global e-sports and promote the improvement of regional competitive levels.
5. Key data list
| Category | Details |
| Total Prize Pool | $1,250,000 |
| Winner’s Prize | $500,000 |
| Number of Teams | 16 teams |
| Event Location | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| Event Dates | August 20–24, 2025 |
| Ticket Price Range | $55 – $1,300 |
| Streaming Platforms | Twitch + Official Channels |
| Event Tier | Valve Tier1, STier |
Saudi Arabia has not only promoted a single event through huge investment and urban infrastructure output, but also built a replicable and sustainable global e-sports ecosystem. For teams and players, this offline stage is not only a battle for honor, but also means an important accumulation of professional careers. High-quality duels should not be missed.
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