Esports World Cup to Feature $70 Million Total Prize Pool

The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced a total prize pool exceeding $70 million for its 2025 event, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 to August 24. Funded by the Saudi Arabian government’s Public Investment Fund and operated by the ESL FACEIT Group, the competition aims to provide long-term financial stability for players, clubs, and publishers within the global esports ecosystem.

The prize distribution is structured across 25 distinct competitions covering 24 different game titles. Of the total purse, $38 million is allocated to individual game championships, while $27 million is reserved for the Club Championship, with the overall winner receiving $7 million. Additional funds are designated for MVP awards and qualifying events. The 2025 tournament will feature a diverse roster of titles, including major competitive games such as Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Dota 2, and various mobile and console-based esports.

The event follows a 2024 iteration that reportedly drew 500 million online viewers and 2.6 million physical visitors. While the foundation emphasizes its commitment to industry growth and stakeholder investment, the tournament continues to face scrutiny from international human rights organizations. Critics argue that the state-backed funding serves as a vehicle for "sports washing," intended to improve the international reputation of the Saudi Arabian government despite ongoing concerns regarding human rights and civil liberties. Additionally, the event has drawn attention for potential regulatory non-compliance, as some participating partner clubs have failed to disclose paid promotional activities in accordance with legal standards in the United States, Canada, and the European Union.