The Esports World Cup’s (EWC) streak of announcements continues as Apex Legends is confirmed to be the latest title for its upcoming 2025 edition.
Following its debut in the 2024 edition, Apex Legends will return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, next summer. The tournament’s schedule and format are yet to be confirmed.
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Earlier this year, the Apex Legends tournament in the Esports World Cup saw 40 teams compete for a share of the $2m (~£1.57m) prize pool. Alliance Esports ultimately won the event, beating Team Falcons in the Grand Final.
With this announcement, the Esports World Cup has already locked in a total of 10 game titles for the next edition. Aside from Apex Legends, other esports titles include Honor of Kings, Free Fire, Street Fighter 6, Valve’s Dota 2 and Counter-Strike 2, as well as the Call of Duty franchises, Black Ops 6 and Warzone.
In particular, the game publisher Activision recently formed a three-year partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation, the tournament organiser of the EWC. In 2024, a total of 22 tournaments took place throughout July and August.
Despite massive prize pools and great financial incentives for esports teams, such as the EWC Club Programme, the tournament has generated controversy from sections of the esports industry due to the involvement and support of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. This in particular has raised discussions regarding the country’s human rights record.
Fabian Scheuermann, Chief Games Officer, Esports World Cup Foundation, commented on the announcement: “Last year’s competition featured 40 elite teams vying for a share of the $2 million prize pool, culminating in a historic victory for Alliance Esports in the longest Grand Finals match to date. It’s a match no one will forget so easily. I can’t wait to see the teams battling it out again this year again.
“Thank you Electronic Arts (EA) and Respawn Entertainment for your continued support and trust in this joint journey.”
