Esports World Cup 2025: Groups Officially Finalized

The wait is over, the Esports World Cup 2025 groups have officially been revealed, setting the stage for the international showdown next week in Riyadh. With 16 teams locked in, including the best from the Call of Duty League and five elite Challenger squads, the group stage promises some of the most exciting matchups of the year. The competition will feature a mix of proven powerhouses and hungry underdogs, all vying for their share of glory in one of the biggest tournaments of the season.

Here are the finalized groups for the EWC:

📸 Photo by @EWC_EN

Group A: OpTic Gaming, G2 Esports, Cloud9, FiveFears

Group A is stacked with firepower and storylines. OpTic Gaming headlines the group as a favorite, but they’ll face stiff competition from Cloud9, who just added Isaiah "Gwinn" Gwinn to their already dangerous roster. G2 Esports, one of the CDL’s surprise teams that missed out at Champs, will be looking to make a statement, while FiveFears—fresh off replacing the disqualified Carolina Royal Ravens—will aim to prove they belong on the main stage.

Group Matches:
○ Winner's Opening: OpTic Gaming vs FiveFears at 8:00 AM EST on July 24th
○ Winner's Opening: G2 Esports vs Cloud9 at 8:00 AM EST on July 24th
○ Winner's Qualifier: 2:00 PM EST on July 24th
○ Lower Round 1: 10:00 AM EST on July 25th
○ Lower Qualifier: 1:00 PM EST on July 25th

Group B: Vancouver Surge, 100 Thieves, Gentle Mates, Team Orchid

Group B brings the heat with two tournament favorites in Vancouver Surge and 100 Thieves, both eyeing a deep run. Gentle Mates, France’s homegrown CDL squad, will be a fan favorite and dark horse, while Team Orchid—now with Ben "Beans" McMellon on their roster—adds serious firepower as one of the top Challenger representatives. Expect some of the closest matches in this group.

Group Matches:
○ Winner's Opening: Vancouver Surge vs Team Orchid at 9:30 AM EST on July 24th
○ Winner's Opening: Gentle Mates vs 100 Thieves at 9:30 AM EST on July 24th
○ Winner's Qualifier: 2:00 PM EST on July 24th
○ Lower Round 1: 10:00 AM EST on July 25th
○ Lower Qualifier: 1:00 PM EST on July 25th

Group C: Boston Breach, Movistar KOI, Team Falcons, Team WaR

Group C is one of the most unpredictable groups of the tournament. Boston Breach leads as the very slight favorite, but they’ll have to navigate a tough draw with Spain’s Movistar KOI with the rookie Abe and Saudi Arabia’s hometown squad, Team Falcons. Challenger powerhouse Team WaR adds another layer of intensity, especially after losing Conor "Diamondcon" Johst to M8s and filling the gap with new firepower in Jeremiah "Nium" Harrison.

Group Matches:
○ Winner's Opening: Boston Breach vs Team WaR at 11:00 AM EST on July 24th
○ Winner's Opening: Movistar KOI vs Team Falcons at 11:00 AM EST on July 24th
○ Winner's Qualifier: 3:30 PM EST on July 24th
○ Lower Round 1: 11:30 AM EST on July 25th
○ Lower Qualifier: 2:30 PM EST on July 25th

Group D: Team Heretics, FaZe Clan, OMiT, Project 7

Group D is headlined by the defending EWC Champion FaZe Clan, as they have the easier of the four groups, but not a cakewalk. Spanish fan-favorites Team Heretics bring a passionate following and international flair, while Challenger juggernauts OMiT enter the EWC with serious expectations after winning the Challengers Finals. Project 7 rounds out the group with momentum and a revamped roster featuring OMiT Brooklyn’s core lineup on loan.

Group Matches:
○ Winner's Opening: FaZe Clan vs OMiT at 12:30 PM EST on July 24th
○ Winner's Opening: Team Heretics vs Project 7 at 12:30 PM EST on July 24th
○ Winner's Qualifier: 3:30 PM EST on July 24th
○ Lower Round 1: 11:30 AM EST on July 25th
○ Lower Qualifier: 2:30 PM EST on July 25th

With the group stage set, all eyes now turn to Riyadh, where the Esports World Cup kicks off next week. The format will feature GSL bracket play within each group, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the single-elimination bracket.

With a massive prize pool on the line, the 2025 Esports World Cup is shaping up to be one of the more entertaining events this season. Let the games begin.