The Esports World Cup Foundation announced a partnership with Riot Games to bring League of Legends, Valorant, and Teamfight Tactics to the Esports World Cup 2025 this summer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Financial terms of this new deal were not disclosed.
The news wasn’t particularly surprising for anyone who has been paying attention to Riot or the Esports World Cup Foundation—last year Riot allowed both Teamfight tactics and League of Legends to have a presence at the eight-week competition, and told The Esports Advocate that it would have included Valorant if not for some scheduling conflicts with the competitive calendar for the Valorant Champions Tour.
The new three-year partnership will see Valorant, Teamfight Tactics, and League of Legends become official club titles for the event. The announcement from the Esports World Cup Foundation notes that Valorant’s presence during the Esports World Cup will serve as “the largest major tournament outside the VCT structure,” while “TFT will provide opportunities for top, international talent to compete in an exciting team format.” In addition, this new agreement includes “a global commercial partnership between EWCF and LOL Esports, the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT), and the TFT 2025 competitive circuit. This includes but is not limited to EWC in-broadcast activations at LoL Esports, VCT, and TFT global LAN events.
“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.”
In case you are not familiar with it, the Esports World Cup is a multi-title, eight-week competition held on an annual basis during the summer that is managed by the Esports World Cup Foundation, a non-profit funded (it claims) by a sporting grant from the Saudi government’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund. The Esports World Cup is operated by ESL FACEIT Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi government-owned gaming and esports company Savvy Games Group. EFG is home to a number of tournament organizers and broadcast production companies including DreamHack, ESL, FACEIT, and Esports Engine.
Projects backed or owned by the Saudi Arabian government such as the Esports World Cup are frequently criticized for helping the government engage in what is called “sports washing,” or using various forms of sport and entertainment to cover up its record on human rights, women’s rights, LGTBQ+ rights, military actions in Yemen, and more. These and other criticisms are actively highlighted by international watchdog groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
MANILA, Philippines — The Esports World Cup Foundation and Riot Games have officially announced a three-year partnership with Riot Games' titles League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics and Valorant as mainstay titles for the foundation's titular event — the Esports World Cup.
“Riot Games has shaped the cultural impact of competitive gaming, transforming esports into a global entertainment force. 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 the 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,” said Fabian Scheuermann, Chief Games Officer at Esports World Cup Foundation.
Valorant's absence from last year's inaugural Esports World Cup was noted by fans but was mainly due to a packed esports calendar in 2024. With the partnership, Riot Games hopes to “open the door for more tournaments” while “complementing their existing global schedule”.
“When we made the decision to participate [in EWC] last year, we went into it wanting to evaluate the tournament experience and better understand its benefit to pro players and teams. The feedback we got from players and teams who participated last year was positive. The event’s significant prize pool offered crucial financial support for them, providing stability at a time when many esports organizations were working toward a stronger future,” Riot Games said in a statement posted on their website.
The addition of Valorant, the publisher added, was also due to the demand to see Valorant events in new regions and creating new opportunities for players and noted that participation in the coming EWC for their three titles are optional.
Debuting in 2024, the Esports World Cup is an annual international esports conference that featured 23 events across 22 different esports titles. Last year, the event made history with the largest prize pool to date for any esports tournament — $62.5 million.
Riot Games has signed a three-year partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation to bring a trio of titles to the hyper-valuable event. From this year, League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, and most importantly, VALORANT will appear at the Esports World Cup event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This will mark the first time that VALORANT has appeared at the event, as last year during the inaugural showcase, the game failed to surface.
‘The Cultural Impact of Competitive Gaming’
The Esports World Cup is the biggest modern event in competitive gaming. It boasts a collective prize pool worth tens of millions of dollars, and it plays host to the industry’s biggest games and most talented players. For many, it’s an immoral event seen as ‘esportswashing’ and nothing more, but for others, it’s a monumental thing that’s set to become a staple of the wider business.
In a recent release, it was revealed that VALORANT will appear alongside League and TFT at the Esports World Cup 2025. During 2024’s event, VALORANT didn’t appear, so this will be the first time that the game has a place at the EWC:
Riot Games has shaped the cultural impact of competitive gaming, transforming esports into a global entertainment force. 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 the 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
– Fabian Scheuermann, Chief Games Officer at EWCF.
Riot Games representatives explained that last year was an evaluation of sorts, and that’s why VALORANT wasn’t one of the games to appear at the Esports World Cup in 2024. In a post, the team explained, ‘The feedback we got from players and teams who participated last year was positive. The event’s significant prize pool offered crucial financial support for them, providing stability at a time when many esports organizations were working toward a stronger future.’
Are you excited to see VALORANT appear at this year’s Esports World Cup? Let us know on the Insider Gaming forum.
For more Insider Gaming esports, check out the news that Vitality has won at IEM Katowice
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Esports has reached unprecedented heights in 2024, solidifying itself as a cultural phenomenon and a booming industry. The League of Legends World Championship reached an astonishing peak of 6.94 million concurrent viewers outside mainland China, cementing its place as a staple of global esports. Meanwhile, Dota 2’s The International, Valorant Champions, and CS Majors also reported remarkable figures, highlighting the widespread appeal of PC gaming.
Another key side of the industry is mobile gaming esports. In regions like Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Latin America, mobile esports titles dominate due to their accessibility and growing player base. Games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Arena of Valor have attracted millions of viewers and players. For example, the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang M5 World Championship broke records, peaking at over 5 million viewers, underscoring the massive influence of mobile gaming in bridging the esports accessibility gap.
Esports Charts present the all-time most watched esports games across global esports. The esports viewership records reported reflect the highest peak esports live viewership ever recorded by the game for a single tournament. In League of Legends’ case, this is the recent Worlds 2024. At 6.94M Peak Viewers, LoL currently leads the esports industry’s most popular game.
Most Popular Esports Games
League of Legends
League of Legends (LoL) is one of the top esports titles by viewership in the world. The game, which was developed by Riot Games in 2009, has a blend of strategic depth, fast-paced gameplay, and a diverse cast of champions, which has made it a staple for competitive gamers and casual players alike. Riot Games revolutionized the esports landscape by introducing professional leagues like the LEC, LCS, LCK, and LPL, each contributing to a global ecosystem culminating in the annual League of Legends World Championship. 2025 will bring new exciting changes to the global system, highlighting Riot Games’ commitment to continuously improving and growing.
In 2024, the World Championship broke esports streaming records with over 6.9 million peak concurrent viewers, hosting some of the biggest esports game streams. This monumental achievement reflects the game’s enduring popularity and Riot’s ability to engage fans with high-quality production and compelling narratives. Riot has cultivated a devoted fanbase that eagerly tunes in year after year.
In recent years, League of Legends has been effectively growing small regional viewership from powerful regions. Esports audience statistics show that areas like Vietnam and Brazil are major areas of esports growth at the moment, and League of Legends has cultivated passionate fanbases across both regions. Riot Games is planning to combine the Americas circuits in 2025, and Brazil’s viewership will surely be a significant driving force for that side of the globe.
Free Fire
Free Fire, developed by Garena and released in 2017, emerged as one of the highest viewed esports games in mobile esports. The game has become especially popular in regions like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and South Asia, where affordable smartphones dominate the gaming market. Its streamlined gameplay, optimized for low-end devices, makes it easy for millions of players to jump into the action.
The Free Fire World Series 2021 Singapore showcased the game’s growing global impact, drawing a staggering 5.42 million peak concurrent viewers. This success is attributed to Garena’s focus on localizing content and effectively building an audience among many different global regions. By tapping into the unique cultures and gaming habits of various regions, Free Fire has built an enthusiastic community of players and fans. The 2021 event in Singapore was supported by Indian, Brazilian, Indonesian, Spanish, and Vietnamese audiences.
Free Fire thrives on its ability to balance casual gaming with intense competition. Its short match durations and engaging mechanics make it perfect for both players and spectators. However, since the game reached its multi-million viewer peak in 2021, it was banned in India, which was a big setback for the title. Since the ban, the game has been on downward esports viewership trends year-on-year, and the following game in our ranking is on pace to soon overtake Free Fire. Nevertheless, the achievements of Free Fire remain.
Mobile Legends Bang Bang
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) is a MOBA designed specifically for mobile devices, launched by Moonton in 2016. Its intuitive controls and fast-paced gameplay have made it a hit in Southeast Asia, where it reigns as a record-breaking esports game and sits at the top of esports game rankings by viewership. Its professional circuit, the Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL), operates in multiple countries, fostering regional rivalries and cultivating local talent. In 2024, the MPL reached numerous gaming viewership milestones, hosting regional esports games with the highest ratings ever.
The M5 World Championship in 2024 was a landmark event, drawing over 5 million peak concurrent viewers for one of the most viewed esports matches. This milestone underscores the game’s ability to captivate audiences across borders. Moonton’s success lies in its dedication to community building, with localized events, influencer partnerships, and content tailored to diverse audiences.
Throughout 2024, our esports game viewership statistics show MLBB has been setting viewership records over and over across various regional circuits. Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia are just some of the MPL regions to record their highest viewerships yet this year. As it stands, the game is in a prime position for the upcoming M6 to be wildly popular, and potentially even overtake Free Fire as one of the most successful esports games.
MLBB’s accessibility has been a game-changer in regions where gaming PCs and consoles are less common. Its competitive ecosystem offers opportunities for aspiring players to rise to stardom, further fuelling its popularity. Moonton’s collaborations with major sponsors and media outlets ensure high-quality broadcasts that rival traditional sports in production value. With its dynamic gameplay and strong regional support, MLBB continues to lead the charge in mobile esports.
Top Esports Games with the Highest Live Viewership Records
PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile is the mobile platform 2018 release by Tencent for one of battle royale’s most-genre-defining titles. Its immersive gameplay, expansive maps, and realistic combat mechanics have attracted millions of players worldwide. Catering to a global audience, PUBG Mobile has become a cornerstone of mobile esports, particularly in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The inaugural edition of the world championship, PUBG Mobile Global Championship Season 0, set the game’s peak viewership record at over 3.8M concurrent viewers, a show of dominance in the esports scene. Tencent’s commitment to supporting competitive players and organizing regional and international tournaments has been key to this success. PUBG Mobile appeals to diverse demographics, ensuring its global reach.
What sets PUBG Mobile apart is its accessibility. The game runs smoothly on low-end devices, making it a go-to option for players in emerging markets. Regular updates, new game modes, and vibrant in-game events keep the community engaged. In recent years, PUBG Mobile has been unable to reach the millions-of-viewers heights it previously enjoyed, but it still is a leading game in the mobile esports industry.
Counter-Strike 2
Counter-Strike, a franchise whose roots begin in the 90s, has evolved into one of the most influential esports titles in history and one of the esports games with the highest peak viewership. The game’s latest version, Counter-Strike 2, continues the franchise’s legacy, offering players tactical, team-based first-person shooter action. Over two decades, it has built an enduring community of fans and professional players, with tournaments that rank among the most prestigious in esports.
A few years ago, our esports streaming data shows the PGL Major Stockholm 2021 achieved a peak viewership of 2.75 million concurrent viewers, showcasing Counter-Strike’s dominant global appeal. Its success is deeply rooted in its strategic gameplay, where precise communication and split-second decisions can determine the outcome of a match. This complexity has kept players and audiences engaged for years. The game is also easy to explain and quick for newcomers to understand the basics, a key reason why Counter-Strike is such an accessible esports title.
Valve’s support for third-party tournament organizers like ESL, BLAST and PGL has also been instrumental in Counter-Strike’s longevity and esports viewership growth. These organizations deliver high-quality events with significant prize pools, drawing top-tier teams and fostering intense rivalries. The game’s presence in multiple regions ensures a diverse, loyal fanbase. Counter-Strike’s impact on esports is unparalleled, and it remains a benchmark for competitive gaming excellence.
Dota 2
Dota 2, also developed by Valve and released in 2013, is a game synonymous with high-stakes competition and elite-level gameplay. Known for its deep mechanics and strategic complexity, it has become a favourite for MOBA fans. Valve’s flagship event, The International (TI), is one of the most anticipated esports tournaments annually, boasting crowd-funded prize pools which have reached almost $50M at their peak.
In 2024, TI continued its tradition of excellence, peaking at 1.5 million concurrent viewers according to our esports viewership analysis. The game’s all-time peak lays with The International 10 back in 2021, which received 2.74M peak concurrent viewers. The 2021 grand final was a showdown between Eastern Europe’s Team Spirit and China’s PSG.LGD: a true clash of global titans for Dota 2 esports. The game’s success stems from its passionate community and Valve’s innovative approach to prize pool funding, which engages players through in-game purchases linked to the event.
Dota 2’s competitive scene thrives on intense rivalries and dramatic comebacks, captivating both veteran fans and new viewers. Valve’s support for grassroots tournaments and third-party organizers ensures a steady stream of content throughout the year. Despite being a challenging game to master, Dota 2’s complexity and depth keep its fanbase loyal, ensuring it remains one of the most prestigious esports titles globally.
Fortnite
Fortnite was released by Epic Games in 2017 and enthralled the gaming industry with its battle royale mode and vibrant, ever-evolving universe. Its combination of fast-paced gameplay, building mechanics, and social features has made it a cultural icon. As one of the world’s most well-known and most popular games, Fortnite’s blend of entertainment and competition ensures its continued relevance.
The game has recorded massive peaks in esports viewership thanks to its previous status at the forefront of gaming culture, but it has since been developing its own healthy and organic esports system. The Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) 2024 Global Championship showcased the game’s competitive potential, with a peak of 809K concurrent viewers. This was the game’s highest peak since its record-breaking Fortnite World Cup 2019 Finals, which received 2.33M PV, recorded in our global esports streaming statistics.
Epic Games’ ability to mix esports with pop culture is a key driver of its success. From in-game concerts to collaborations with global brands, Fortnite consistently engages its audience beyond traditional gameplay. Fortnite’s focus on inclusivity also plays a major role in its popularity. Its open formats and accessible tournaments give players of all skill levels a chance to compete, building a grassroots community that feeds into the professional scene.
Valorant
Following its launch by Riot Games in 2020, Valorant has quickly risen to become one of the leading tactical shooters in esports and one of the most popular esports titles in 2024. Combining precise gunplay with unique agent abilities, it offers a fresh take on the FPS genre, specifically a formula heavily inspired by Counter-Strike. Riot’s expertise from League of Legends in creating structured esports ecosystems has been instrumental in Valorant’s rapid growth.
The VCT 2024 Masters Madrid event earlier this year peaked at 1.68 million concurrent viewers, setting a new record for the game. In Valorant’s short existence, various highly popular teams and strong regional audiences have started fuelling the game’s viewership, leading to high potential peak viewerships. Riot’s regional leagues, such as VCT Americas and VCT EMEA, have played a pivotal role in cultivating local talent and creating compelling storylines. These leagues feed into international tournaments like Valorant Champions, where the world’s best teams compete for glory.
Valorant’s appeal lies in its ability to blend tactical depth with approachable gameplay. Riot has also invested heavily in high-quality broadcasts, player-focused narratives, and in-game events tied to major tournaments, ensuring that both casual fans and hardcore esports enthusiasts remain engaged. The game’s vibrant community, frequent updates, and Riot’s dedication to inclusivity and professionalism position Valorant as a flagship title in modern esports, and a real competitor to Counter-Strike.
Brawl Stars
Brawl Stars was developed by Supercell and released in 2018: a Finnish games company well-known for their other mobile games like Clash of Clans and Clash Royale. Brawl Stars has carved out a unique space in the esports industry, designed for short, action-packed matches. It's perfect for mobile players seeking fast-paced fun. The colourful graphics, diverse characters, and easy-to-learn mechanics have made it a hit among younger audiences and casual gamers.
The Brawl Stars World Finals 2024 demonstrated the game’s esports potential, achieving a peak viewership of 1.1 million concurrent viewers. It was the first-ever Brawl Stars tournament to reach over a million viewers, and it massive improved on the game’s previous viewership. Supercell’s commitment to fostering a competitive ecosystem has been key to this success. By organizing regional qualifiers and providing opportunities for amateur players to climb the ranks, Brawl Stars has cultivated a vibrant and accessible community.
Supercell’s partnerships with content creators and influencers have also boosted the game’s visibility. The recent World Finals were heavily supported by co-streamers across YouTube and Twitch. These broadcasters contributed a significant portion to the event’s total viewership. Following this event, Brawl Stars has cemented itself as a genuine competitor in the mobile gaming esports space. With regular updates, engaging seasonal content, and a focus on grassroots initiatives, Brawl Stars could still climb the ladder as one of esports’ most popular games.
Arena of Valor
Arena of Valor, developed by Tencent and released in 2016, has become a dominant force in the mobile MOBA genre. Known as Honor of Kings in China, the game is now known internationally as Arena of Valor, the official international release of Honor of Kings. Its streamlined gameplay and polished mechanics make it a favorite among mobile gamers, especially in regions where accessibility to gaming PCs and consoles is limited.
In 2023, the Arena of Valor Premier League 2023 peaked at 974.6K peak concurrent viewers, cementing AoV’s position as a mobile esports giant. Tencent’s investment in regional leagues and partnerships with major brands has played a crucial role in its success. The game’s localization efforts, including language options and culturally relevant events, further enhance its appeal in different markets.
AoV’s strong competitive scene is driven by frequent updates, balanced gameplay, and high-stakes tournaments. Tencent’s ability to create engaging narratives and promote top players has built a passionate fanbase. With its accessibility, global reach, and robust esports infrastructure, Arena of Valor remains a powerhouse in mobile gaming and a staple in the esports world.
The esports industry in 2024 showcases an incredible diversity of games, each captivating millions of fans worldwide. Each game has carved its niche by blending accessible gameplay, regional focus, and high-quality competitive events. Mobile esports has democratizing competitive gaming by reaching players in emerging markets with accessible hardware requirements. Meanwhile, established PC and console titles maintain their dominance through innovation, hosting exciting matches, and their unmatched production quality.
