VALORANT Joins EWC 2025 Lineup in Riot Games New 3-Year Partnership
In a major development for the global esports scene, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has struck a groundbreaking 3-year partnership with Riot Games, bringing VALORANT to the prestigious Esports World Cup 2025 lineup.
Riot Games and the Esports World Cup Foundation enter a pivotal 3-year partnership. Credit: Esports World Cup FoundationThis tactical shooter will make its debut alongside established titles League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics (TFT) at the summer event in Riyadh.
Esports World Cup (EWC) 2025 Tournament Details
The event promises to deliver unprecedented competitive action across all three titles. League of Legends will feature elite international teams competing for substantial prizes, while VALORANT will host its largest tournament outside the VCT structure.
TFT will bring together top international talent in its unique team format.
Commercial Impact
The partnership extends beyond just tournament play, encompassing a global commercial collaboration between EWCF and LOL Esports, the VALORANT Champions Tour, and the TFT 2025 competitive circuit.
The initiative kicks off with VCT Masters Bangkok on February 20, 2025, featuring integrated broadcast activations across all platforms.
“Riot Games has shaped the cultural impact of competitive gaming, transforming esports into a global entertainment force,” said Fabian Scheuermann, Chief Games Officer, Esports World Cup Foundation.
“With League of Legends’ iconic World Championship—which continues to set new standards for immersive experiences, VALORANT’s cultural collaborations, and Teamfight Tactics’ community-driven events, Riot has pioneered an ecosystem far beyond competition. By bringing these titles to the Esports World Cup, we are not just celebrating elite gameplay—we are, together, expanding esports as a global entertainment movement, creating deeper connections with fans across gaming, music, and digital culture.”
Growing Esports Ecosystem
The 2025 edition of the Esports World Cup (EWC) is shaping up to be the largest celebration of competitive gaming yet, with 23 tournaments across 22 different games already confirmed. This diverse lineup spans multiple genres, including first-person shooters, MOBAs, battle royales, and real-time strategy games.
The expansion marks a significant milestone in the tournament's history, reflecting the explosive growth of competitive gaming globally. The addition of VALORANT alongside established titles demonstrates the EWC's commitment to embracing emerging esports while honoring traditional powerhouses. This strategic approach ensures the tournament caters to both veteran fans and newer audiences, creating a more inclusive competitive environment.
The event's structure will allow for multiple tournaments to run simultaneously, creating an unprecedented festival atmosphere for esports enthusiasts.
Previous Success
The announcement follows the tremendous success of EWC 2024, where T1's legendary player "Faker" led his team to victory in League of Legends before 12.5 million online viewers.
The tournament's proven track record of delivering memorable esports moments sets high expectations for the 2025 edition.
This landmark partnership represents a significant step forward in consolidating the world's premier esports titles under one banner, promising to elevate competitive gaming to new heights as mainstream entertainment.
Featured image credits: Esports World Cup (@EWC_EN) on X
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