The organizers of the Esports World Cup 2025 have revealed the bracket for the Counter-Strike 2 competition. Sixteen top-tier teams will begin their battle for the prestigious title and a hefty prize pool on August 20.
Riyadh Tournament: $1,250,000 and Prestige
The Esports World Cup 2025 in CS2 will take place from August 20 to 24 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sixteen teams will compete in a Single-Elimination format — one loss means elimination. Winners of the opening round will advance to the quarterfinals, while the tournament champion will take home $500,000 and 1,000 EWC Club Points — a key contribution toward the overall club standings.
Opening Round: Clashes of Giants and Underdog Chances
The first round of the upper bracket promises several exciting matchups. Team Vitality will face Team Liquid, Astralis will take on China’s TYLOO, Natus Vincere are set to play against 3DMAX, and GamerLegion will clash with The MongolZ. All these matches will be played on August 20.
In the lower half of the bracket, Virtus.pro will begin their campaign against MOUZ, G2 Esports will take on Team Falcons, FaZe Clan will meet Aurora Gaming, and HEROIC will play their opener against Team Spirit. The winners of these matches will also move on to the quarterfinals.
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Favorites, Dark Horses, and First-Round Storylines
Heading into the event, analysts and fans alike are naming Vitality, Natus Vincere, The MongolZ, MOUZ, and Team Spirit as the main title contenders. These teams have shown consistent form, balanced rosters, and strong performances throughout the season. Key matchups include NAVI vs. 3DMAX — where the Ukrainian squad will look to confirm their status — and The MongolZ vs. GamerLegion, a clash that could showcase the Mongolian team’s aggressive, disruptive style.
However, in a Single-Elimination format, even top favorites are at risk of an early exit. That’s why many are keeping a close eye on potential upsets from Team Falcons, FaZe Clan, and TYLOO. Each of these teams boasts either star-studded lineups or solid preparation, but have yet to fully deliver in 2025. If they manage to hit peak form, the first round could bring major surprises.
