by VALORANT will finally debut at the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a major development in the global esports scene.
The tactical shooter joins League of Legends (LoL) and Teamfight Tactics (TFT) as part of a new three-year partnership between Riot Games and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF).
This landmark agreement not only secures Riot’s flagship titles at the EWC through 2027 but also introduces a global commercial partnership.
“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.”
Time to start a Riot ??
?? VALORANT
?? League of Legends
?? Teamfight TacticsWelcome to #EWC2025! pic.twitter.com/OWI4iZadTp
— Esports World Cup (@EWC_EN) February 10, 2025
The collaboration will feature integrated branding, in-broadcast activations, and cross-promotional content across Riot’s competitive circuits, starting with the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Masters Bangkok on February 20, 2025.
While LoL and TFT made their EWC debut in 2024, this will be VALORANT’s first appearance at the prestigious event.
Unlike the 2024 edition—where the EWC received little attention on Riot’s official broadcasts—the 2025 event will be fully integrated into Riot’s esports ecosystem.
This partnership positions the EWC as a key fixture within Riot’s competitive calendar, increasing their global profile.
According to the EWCF, the 2025 tournaments will feature top international teams competing for significant prize pools.
League of Legends will showcase elite teams from around the world, VALORANT will host their largest event outside the VCT structure, and TFT will present a unique team-based competition format, promising exciting matchups and fresh narratives for fans.
Despite the excitement surrounding VALORANT’s addition, the announcement has reignited ongoing debates within the esports community.
Critics have pointed to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, raising concerns about the ethics of hosting the EWC in Riyadh.
Social media platforms have seen a surge in comments questioning the necessity of holding the event in a country with a controversial legal framework, particularly in a gaming culture that values inclusivity and diversity.
Tournament organisers have emphasised that EWC funding does not come directly from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund but is sourced through a mix of sponsorships and host-nation support.
However, many fans remain sceptical, arguing that financial ties to the host country indirectly support their broader agenda.
This tension highlights the complex balance between the rapid growth of esports and the ethical considerations tied to global expansion.
The 2025 Esports World Cup is expected to be the largest yet, featuring 23 tournaments across 22 different games, spanning genres such as first-person shooters, MOBAs, battle royales, and real-time strategy.
The event’s multi-tournament structure aims to create a festival-like atmosphere, bringing together diverse gaming communities under one banner.
