The highly anticipated esports festival that captured audiences last year is making a grand return in 2025. Featuring an updated and more diverse selection of games, the event is set to be even bigger and more exciting. The organizers of the Esports World Cup have already announced most of the participating titles, with a few surprises still to be revealed. Among the unexpected additions are chess, Crossfire, and an unreleased fighting game from the renowned Fatal Fury series.
Major Game Reveal: Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
While the majority of games were revealed between October and December, the first major announcement for 2025 was the inclusion of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. Developed by SNK, this upcoming fighting game is set to launch across multiple platforms, including PC and consoles, in late April. Fans of the franchise can look forward to even more surprises as five additional games are scheduled for announcement during a special event on February 27-28.
Esports World Cup Foundation Club Partner Program
February will also bring exciting news for esports organizations, as it marks the announcement of participants for the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) Club Partner Program. Applications for the program closed in January, and this year, the number of accepted organizations has expanded from 30 to 40. The selected organizations will receive substantial financial support in six-figure sums (in dollars) to help them grow their brand and engage with their fan base ahead of the Esports World Cup 2025.
Esports World Cup 2025 (image via Getty)Featured Games at Esports World Cup 2025
First-Person Shooters
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Rainbow Six Siege
- Counter-Strike 2
- PUBG Mobile
- Apex Legends
- PUBG: Battlegrounds
- Crossfire
Fighting and Strategy Games
- Street Fighter 6
- Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
- Teamfight Tactics
- Chess
Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs)
- Dota 2
- League of Legends
- Honor of Kings
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (male & female competitions)
Sports and Racing Games
- EA Sports FC 25
- Rocket League
- Rennsport
Other Notable Titles
- Free Fire
- Overwatch 2
- Valorant
TBA (February 28)
TBA (February 28)
What to Expect from Esports World Cup 2025
The Esports World Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place in the summer. However, key details such as the exact dates, the prize pool, the event format, and other logistics remain undisclosed. Fans and competitors are eagerly awaiting further updates as anticipation continues to build for what promises to be one of the biggest esports events of the year.
Esports World Cup 2025 (image via Getty)A Diverse Lineup for a Global Audience
The inclusion of a wide range of games ensures that the event will appeal to diverse gaming communities. From first-person shooters like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Counter-Strike 2 to strategy-based titles like Teamfight Tactics and Chess, the Esports World Cup 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark event in competitive gaming.
Promoting Inclusivity in Esports
The participation of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang in both male and female competitions further emphasizes the inclusivity of the tournament. The growing representation of female players in esports is an encouraging sign, and the event organizers are committed to providing equal opportunities to all competitors.
Balancing Legacy and Innovation
Additionally, the presence of both established franchises and newer titles highlights the evolving nature of esports. Games like Valorant and Apex Legends continue to gain traction, while classics like Dota 2 and League of Legends maintain their legacy. The introduction of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves brings fresh excitement to the fighting game community, adding another dynamic element to the tournament.
The Countdown to Esports World Cup 2025 Begins
As the countdown to the Esports World Cup 2025 begins, the gaming world is buzzing with speculation and excitement. The upcoming event promises intense competition, thrilling moments, and an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike. With new games, increased participation, and significant financial backing for organizations, the stage is set for an esports festival like no other.
Anticipation for the Final Game Announcements
The anticipation surrounding the five yet-to-be-announced games adds an extra layer of intrigue. As fans eagerly await the February 27-28 reveals, speculation is running wild about which titles will be joining the lineup. Whether they are surprise inclusions from beloved franchises or groundbreaking new entries, these games will undoubtedly add to the excitement of the event.
A Defining Moment for Esports
With so much at stake, teams and players are already gearing up for what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament. The Esports World Cup 2025 is poised to be a defining moment for the industry, bringing together the best talent from around the world and showcasing the incredible potential of esports on a global stage. As more details emerge, the excitement will only continue to build, cementing the event’s status as a must-watch spectacle for gaming enthusiasts everywhere.
