The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has reported in impressive audience figures, both online and on site, from the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), which concluded in Riyadh on 24 August.
The seven-week event drew 750m viewers and 350m hours watched online, with a peak of 7.98m during Gen.G’s League of Legends victory in Week 2, way above the over 3.4m record set for the game at the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) this year. Riyadh’s Boulevard City hosted 3 million visitors, up from 2.6 million in 2024, while international arrivals reached 300,000 – a 7.4% increase year-on-year.
Saudi organisation Team Falcons were crowned Club Champions, securing the $7m grand prize. The trophy was presented by HRH Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, with football star and EWC Global Ambassador Cristiano Ronaldo delivering it on stage during the closing ceremony.
Also read: EWC executive speaks on strategy and impact behind Cristiano Ronaldo partnership
Ralf Reichert, CEO of EWCF, said: “2025 wasn’t just about more games, more Clubs, or even a record $70+ million prize pool: it was about purpose… After just two years, the Esports World Cup is no longer a bold idea; it’s the foundation of a global sport.”
Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at EWCF, added: “Beyond the competition, we are committed to strengthening our strategic partnerships, collaborating with leading publishers, brands and creators – building groundbreaking opportunities that will shape the future of the industry.”
The Esports World Cup is set to return to Riyadh from 6 July to 23 August 2026.
