CS2 powerhouses set for $1.25M showdown at Esports World Cup 2025

The world’s elite Counter-Strike 2 teams are locked in for the Esports World Cup 2025, with all top 15 organisations from the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) accepting their invitations to the prestigious tournament. Set to run from August 20 to 24 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the high-stakes event features a $1.25 million prize pool and a no-group-stage, single-elimination format designed for maximum intensity.

Joining the 15 invited squads is Chinese powerhouse TYLOO, who earned their place by winning the 2025 Hero Esports Asian Champions League. They complete a 16-team field that includes reigning champions Natus Vincere (NAVI), who return to defend their 2024 title after last year’s thrilling win over G2 Esports.

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The 16 CS2 Teams Attending the Esports World Cup 2025:

• Team Vitality (Europe)
• MOUZ (Europe)
• Team Spirit (Russia)
• Team Falcons (Europe)
• The MongolZ (Mongolia)
• Aurora Gaming (Turkey)
• Natus Vincere (Europe)
• G2 Esports (Europe)
• GamerLegion (Europe)
• FaZe Clan (Europe)
• Team Liquid (Other)
• Astralis (Denmark)
• Virtus.pro (Russia)
• 3DMAX (France)
• HEROIC (Europe)
• TYLOO (China – Qualified via Asia)

15 of the best CS2 teams are officially headed to the Esports World Cup via VRS Ranking! :aeroplane:

Get ready for some serious action on the servers. :boom: pic.twitter.com/gpKId7FLDk

— EWC Extra (@EWC_Extra) June 3, 2025

Unlike most international tournaments, the Esports World Cup 2025 CS2 tournament will forego group stages altogether, instead diving straight into a do-or-die playoff bracket. Each round is single elimination, meaning every match is critical from the outset. The entire event will unfold across five days of intense, winner-takes-all action.

The prize distribution reflects the event’s prestige:

• 1st Place: $500,000
• 2nd Place: $230,000
• 3rd–4th Place: $100,000 each
• 5th–8th Place: $40,000 each
• 9th–16th Place: $20,000 each

In addition to prize money, the event contributes points towards the Esports World Cup’s $27 million Club Championship. Only the top eight CS2 finishers will earn points towards this series, with the overall top-performing organisation across all games set to claim a staggering $7 million.

Despite missing the BLAST.tv Austin Major, teams like Astralis and GamerLegion will be present in Riyadh, proving the EWC’s broad reach and elite standards.