CrossFire Esports World Cup betting tips – August 19, 2025

The CrossFire Esports World Cup kicks off in Riyadh on Tuesday, August 19, marking the start of group-stage action at the SNB Esports Arena. Sixteen elite teams from China, Brazil, Vietnam, the Philippines, Europe, and the Middle East are battling across four groups in a high-stakes best-of-three GSL format, with a US$2 million prize pool and valuable Esports World Cup points on the line.

Day 1 features eight clashes, highlighted by Chinese favorites Qing Jiu Club, BaiSha Gaming, and AG.AL, alongside regional powerhouses like Team Liquid and Evolution Power Gaming. Rising challengers including Stallions, Gaimin Gladiators, and Team Falcons will look to set the tone with upset potential as they test themselves against championship-caliber opposition.

Below, we break down the full opening slate of the CrossFire Esports World Cup, with betting odds from the top esports betting sites.

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  The bookies' bookie

Gaimin Gladiators vs Twisted Minds

Best Odds: Gaimin Gladiators -151.52 at BetOnline | Twisted Minds +105 at SportsBetting
When: August 19, 2025 | 10:30 AST
Watch Live: Twitch

Gaimin Gladiators rely on Cem Ozan “Dizayn” Yağız and Abdulkadir “FLEXX” Yegin to provide early-round impact, while Tiago “LionClaw” Moreira anchors the team with steady mid-round calling. Their recent playoff run in CrossFire West League Season 2 showed inconsistency, but the squad’s aggressive playstyle still makes them a dangerous opening-day favorite.

Twisted Minds feature Nguyễn Thành “BOQCUTE” Nhân and Đoàn Ngọc “MOUSEV” Quốc Việt as their primary fraggers, with Nguyễn Trung “Carot” Khang bringing discipline to late-round executes. The Vietnamese-led roster has found form in regional play, but adapting to elite European map pools remains their biggest test.

With strong entry fragging on both sides, this clash sets up as a likely three-map shootout.

KINGZERO-eSports vs Al Qadsiah

Best Odds: KINGZERO +103 at BetOnline | Al Qadsiah -149.25 at SportsBetting
When: August 19, 2025 | 10:30 AST
Watch Live: Twitch

KINGZERO-eSports lean on Luo “HAO” Hao and Gao “yf” Yuanfeng for consistency, while Xu “xn” Neng and Ma “B1n” Hongbin bring explosive fragging power that thrives in high-pressure maps. They have the pedigree of CrossFire Pro League champions, but recent playoff losses suggest they are still searching for rhythm against elite international squads.

Al Qadsiah arrive with a Brazilian core led by Thales “Aktion” de Oliveira Simões Motta and Felipe “Fefe” Marques, who dominate mid-round control with sharp aim and tempo shifts. Backed by Rodrigo “mg” Meijinhos and Gabriel “silva” Sobral Cavanias, the squad’s undefeated playoff run in Brazil makes them one of the most dangerous dark horses in Riyadh.

The Saudis’ resilience and strong map pool suggest a tight series, with a decisive third map likely.

Team Liquid vs EVOS

Best Odds: Team Liquid -500 at BetOnline | EVOS +287 at BetOnline
When: August 19, 2025 | 12:30 AST
Watch Live: Twitch

Team Liquid boast a Brazilian powerhouse roster with Caio “Goken” de Aguiar Dos Santos and Daniel “DANIMAL” Polidoro providing firepower alongside Nicolas “77” Lisboa and Deivison “Ryuzao” Cruz. With Weslley “WY” da Silva Viana adding LAN experience, Liquid’s dominant domestic record makes them heavy favorites to cruise through the group stage.

EVOS enter as Southeast Asia’s underdogs, led by Elvin “ELVIN” Moleno and Michael “KELR” Alfonso, who starred in their CrossFire Stars Philippines Masters run. Backed by Khieyann “KSA” Angeles and Leo “YOB1B” Bito, the roster has momentum but faces its toughest challenge yet against a championship-tested Liquid.

Team Liquid’s depth and experience should see them close this out in a clean 2–0.

ROC Esports vs Qing Jiu Club

Best Odds: ROC Esports +135 at BetOnline | Qing Jiu Club -196.08 at BetOnline
When: August 19, 2025 | 12:30 AST
Watch Live: Twitch

ROC Esports charge into Riyadh on the back of consecutive CrossFire West League titles, with Mohamed “Horus” Mahrous and Ahmed “SNARE” Salah forming the team’s reliable backbone. Supported by Youssef “tottziN” Nasser and Abdelrahman “slayer” Fawzy, the Egyptian lineup thrives on momentum but still needs to prove it can consistently beat Asia’s elite.

Qing Jiu Club bring heavyweight status from China, boasting talents like Jin “Koi” Zhaoyang and Xie “xmy” Mingyu who dominate both entry duels and mid-round calls. Alongside Dai “yj” Shenchen and Lin “XJ” Zhijie, Q9’s deep LAN pedigree and history as CrossFire Stars champions make them overwhelming favorites.

The Chinese giants should have the firepower and structure to close this in a straight 2–0.

Evolution Power Gaming vs Inner Circle Esports

Best Odds: Evolution Power -555.56 at SportsBetting | Inner Circle Esports +308 at BetOnline
When: August 19, 2025 | 14:30 AST
Watch Live: Twitch

Evolution Power Gaming come in as CrossFire Stars 2024 champions, led by Feng “First” Jiewan and Yan “YZK” Kai, who dominate both entry duels and clutch scenarios. With Zhao “mino” Lumin and Jiang “xqq” Ke adding depth to their already stacked roster, EP’s combination of structure and firepower makes them one of the scariest teams in Riyadh.

Inner Circle Esports impressed in the CrossFire West League with Marcel “AWSM” Hupp and Shehab “Alucard” Hossam delivering big performances against regional rivals. Alongside Bekir “beq” Balikci and Yannick “jin” Gemp, the European squad have grit and upset potential, but they’ll need flawless execution to challenge the Chinese juggernaut.

EP’s pedigree and firepower should prove too much, making a clean sweep the likely result.

Team Falcons vs BaiSha Gaming

Best Odds: Team Falcons +127 at BetOnline | Inner Circle Esports -185.19 at SportsBetting
When: August 19, 2025 | 14:30 AST
Watch Live: Twitch

Team Falcons ride into Riyadh off their CrossFire Vietnam Pro League title, powered by Đàm Việt Hưng “Dola” and Bùi Đình Văn “Rambo” as their explosive entry duo. With Mai Thanh Phong “Shady” and Nguyễn Đức Toàn “DUCTOAN” providing balance, the Vietnamese lineup has shown flashes of brilliance but still lacks experience against China’s top-tier sides.

BaiSha Gaming arrive as one of the tournament’s juggernauts, led by veteran stars Wang “N9” Hao and Zheng “Xxiao” Qi, who consistently dominate big-match scenarios. Supported by Chen “577” Jinwei and Ren “YDSS” Hongyu, BaiSha’s championship pedigree and tactical depth make them clear favorites in this matchup.

The Chinese giants should overpower Falcons with superior structure and LAN pedigree.

AG.AL vs Virtus.pro

Best Odds: AG.AL -294.12 at BetOnline | Virtus.pro +191 at SportsBetting
When: August 19, 2025 | 16:30 AST
Watch Live: Twitch

AG.AL enter Riyadh as one of China’s historic giants, powered by veterans like Zhang “ZY” Ye and Yang “Jwei” Jiawei, who continue to thrive in high-pressure LAN environments. With rising stars such as Meng “Doo” Kun and Wang “Bao” Jiabao adding depth, the squad’s long track record of titles and recent playoff experience make them clear favorites.

Virtus.pro come in as an ambitious Vietnamese lineup recently rebuilt around Phạm “HIEUMEO” Văn Hiếu and Phan “JRK” Tấn Nguyên, bringing sharp mechanical talent and fearless mid-round calling. Supported by Nguyễn “NEVIS” Thành Luân and new pickup Nguyễn “TOM” Minh Hiếu, they showed flashes of form in the Vietnam Pro League but remain unproven against elite opposition.

The Chinese veterans should assert dominance early and close in a straight 2–0 sweep.

Natus Vincere vs Stallions

Best Odds: Natus Vincere +108 at BetOnline | Stallions -156.25 at SportsBetting
When: August 19, 2025 | 14:30 AST
Watch Live: Twitch

Natus Vincere arrive in Riyadh after rebuilding around a Brazilian-heavy roster led by Adriano “adrF” Faria and Rafael “Akxshi” Tito, who bring raw firepower from their Dragons Esports days. With support from Patrick “GDSZ” Goldszal and Gustavo “geze” Godoy, NAVI have shown flashes of brilliance in the CrossFire Brazil League but remain inconsistent against elite teams.

Stallions, formerly UBECmaniacGT, are riding momentum after their acquisition by a Saudi organization, with Ar Jay “Jjhae” Bacus and Ken Louise “kLb” Belgida providing stability in high-pressure matches. Backed by riflers Christopher “Kano” Robinson and Jaylord “LOYY” Pasulot, the squad’s recent top finishes in regional play make them the favorites to advance.

The Filipinos’ depth and LAN experience give them the edge in a likely 2–0 result.

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