VALORANT AT EWC 25 - Survival Guide

The Esports World Cup will officially begin with teams like Paper Rex and Fnatic fighting for the VALORANT at EWC 25 title. The whole world will be watching as teams from around the globe compete for a piece of the $1.25 million dollar prize pool and a headstart in the EWC Club Championship. This will be the first time VALORANT will be featured at the Esports World Cup, creating a new tournament within the shooter's global competitive landscape.

Whether you're a diehard VALORANT fan or someone who is new to the scene, we've compiled a breakdown of how teams have been performing as we head into the action in Riyadh.

Fresh off the action at Masters Toronto

Many of the participating VALORANT at EWC teams are coming fresh off VCT Masters Toronto, where Asia-Pacific’s Paper Rex managed to claim the overall win in a 3-1 grand final. This means that the last four major international events have been won by a representative of one of the Asian regions. Will this dominance continue, or will one of the other regions put an end to the streak by taking home the EWC title?

Europe's Fnatic could prove to be Paper Rex's biggest competitor following their second place finish at Masters Toronto. This result came as a surprise for the storied organization after the squad had a disappointing 2024. It could mean the team is resurging in 2025 as we head into the Esports World Cup. The veteran experience of long-time members Jake "Boaster" Howlett and Emir "Alfajer" Beder combined with the fresh influence of recent addition Kajetan "kaajak" Haremski might push the European team to rise above the competition again.

Struggling first seeds

Toronto wasn’t a great tournament for the favorites. None of the first-seeded teams – Fnatic, G2, Xi Lai Gaming, and Rex Regum Qeon – won their upper bracket quarterfinal matches, with Chinese and Asia Pacific representatives even dropping out of the tournament winless. There’s no doubt they’ll come into the EWC highly motivated to deliver a stronger showing.

Even though G2 managed to clinch two wins in the lower bracket, the American team clearly struggled to adjust to the post-Tejo meta in Toronto. On top of that, news recently broke that Nathan 'leaf' Orf won’t be able to join the team at the EWC due to health issues. G2 will have to overcome a few extra hurdles on their path through VALORANT at EWC 25.

They’ll be joined in Riyadh by most of the other Masters participants, including Bilibili Gaming, Sentinels, and Team Heretics. Recognizable names like EDward Gaming, NRG, and DRX – all of whom qualified through regional events – will round out the 16 teams heading to Riyadh.

First Club Championship points

Beyond a shot at the VALORANT at EWC 25 title, this tournament also serves as one of the earliest opportunities for organizations to earn points toward the Esports World Cup Club Championship. Gen.G, who was only active in two events in 2024, is qualified for more than seven events at the Esports World Cup in 2025. The Asian organization will be one to watch as the Club Championship starts to take shape.

Catch all the strategic action when VALORANT at EWC 25 kicks off on July 8th at 12PM KSA. Find all the information, brackets, schedule, standings, and every way to tune in on the Esports World Cup VALORANT site.