Jason Morendo
The Esports World Cup 2025 is set to be a thrilling spectacle as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) and Rocket League join its list of competitive titles in Riyadh. This marks the second consecutive year that MLBB will feature with its popular Mid Season Cup and the Women’s Invitational.
MLBB and Rocket League’s Grand Entry
With the recent announcement, the dynamic duo of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Rocket League adds to an ever-expanding lineup that already boasts heavyweights such as EA FC 25, Call of Duty, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike 2. Fans eagerly anticipate what Rocket League’s tournament will unveil, given last year’s impressive turnout where 16 teams battled for a $500,000 prize.
Record-breaking Moments
Last year’s MLBB Women’s Invitational attracted teams from 12 different countries, competing for a substantial $550,000 prize. The event achieved impressive viewership, ranking as the sixth most-watched women’s esports event to date. The return of both MLBB tournaments to the EWC in 2025 reflects the game’s growing global appeal.
Expanding Opportunities
Ray Ng, the Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games, emphasized the historical significance of the events in 2024, which broadened the tournaments beyond Southeast Asia. With future expansions, the Women’s Invitational aims to include more teams and create greater opportunities for women in esports.
However, as the spotlight shines on the event’s success, it hasn’t been without controversy. The Esports World Cup Foundation’s connection to Saudi Arabia continues to stir discussions over the country’s stance on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights.
Esports World Cup 2025: Transforming the Competitive Gaming Landscape
The Esports World Cup 2025 is stepping up its game, welcoming Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) and Rocket League into its roster. This year, Riyadh becomes the epicenter of esports, hosting these celebrated titles alongside icons like EA FC 25, Call of Duty, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike 2.
New Additions Drive Anticipation
As MLBB joins the tournament for its second consecutive year, fans eagerly await both the Mid Season Cup and the Women’s Invitational. Rocket League’s introduction promises an electrifying competition following its remarkable performance last year, when 16 teams vied for a whopping $500,000 prize.
Increasing Opportunities and Global Appeal
The MLBB Women’s Invitational continues to break barriers, drawing participants from 12 nations and securing its place as the sixth most-watched women’s esports event ever. This visibility marks a significant step forward in global esports, reflecting the rising popularity of these games worldwide. According to Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games, expanding the competition offers unprecedented opportunities for women, heralding a new era of inclusion and diversity in the industry.
Navigating Controversies
While the Esports World Cup celebrates these gains, it faces challenges tied to its association with Saudi Arabia. Debates over the nation’s policies on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights persist, adding a layer of complexity to the event’s global outreach and expansion efforts.
What Lies Ahead: Trends and Innovations
Moving forward, the Esports World Cup aims to further integrate the growing trends of inclusivity and sustainability in gaming. Anticipations are high for MLBB and Rocket League to set new standards in esports events, further solidifying their roles in competitive gaming circuits.
Stay informed on the latest developments and explore more about the competitive gaming landscape by visiting the official domains of Mobile Legends and Rocket League.
