AG.AL Take Home Inaugural Esports World Cup CROSSFIRE Trophy After Thrilling Five-Game Series

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (August 23, 2025) - AG.AL has claimed the inaugural CROSSFIRE title at the Esports World Cup, beating out Chinese rival BaiSha Esports in a closely matched 3-2 grand final. AG.AL takes home $750,000 of the $2,000,000 prize pool for their victory.

AG.AL had a near flawless run at the event, only dropping two maps on their way to the grand final – just once during the group stage, and another in the playoffs, a clear testament to their skill and dedication. BaiSha Gaming and AG.AL have a storied ten-year history against each other, and while the overall record is in favour of AG.AL, the recent results have started to go in favour of BaiSha Gaming.

Their most recent grand final clash saw BaiSha Gaming claim victory at CrossFire Pro League Season 26 – and now AG.AL have now taken their revenge, as they move back to the top of the CROSSFIRE standings by lifting the CROSSFIRE at 2025 Esports World Cup trophy, their first hardware of the year, and their first international trophy since 2023.

It's made even more incredible that AG.AL's Zhang “ZQ” Qian ended his retirement and started to play again after previously being a streamer for the organisation. Having last played for the team in full capacity back in 2023, ZQ came out of retirement to return to the roster earlier this year with a goal of making the Esports World Cup. Not only did he manage that, he has won the entire tournament, beating the Club’s biggest rival in the process.

BaiSha Gaming got off to an impressive start in the final, which saw them take a convincing 1-0 lead, but AG.AL came back strong in game two. AG.AL would continue that form to claim game three, moving them onto a crucial match point. BaiSha brought the game back to an even 2-2 footing, but in the fifth and final game, AG.AL were able to come out swinging and take the series win.

“A big thank you to all my fans out there, to all the fans that have flown across thousands of miles to support us, [a] huge thank you [to] every single one of you,” said Meng "Doo" Kun of AG.AL. “I think right here, right now, I’ve proven everybody wrong. I’ve proven our team is the best in the world.”

Meng "Doo" Kun was named the SONY MVP, after a series of outstanding performances throughout the event, and leading his team to victory. He will receive an additional $10,000 and the MVP medal to recognise his achievements.

AG.AL earn 1000 Club Championship points for their victory, moving them up to sixth place in the overall Club Championship standings. This is the club’s final event at EWC 25, so they will be keeping an eye on Street Fighter 6 and Counter-Strike 2 and hoping no other teams overtake them in the final hours of the Esports World Cup.