Jul 14, 2025.
The ALGS Midseason Playoffs at EWC 25 concluded in thrilling fashion as VK Gaming shocked the esports world, securing a stunning win after nine intense games. Congratulations to VK Gaming for being the last team standing and earning $600,000 in prize money.
After outplaying several teams considered tournament favorites at the Qiddiya Esports Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, VK Gaming pulled off a dramatic clutch victory against fierce competition. The win marks VK Gaming’s first-ever victory at EWC 2025—and one of the biggest upsets of the season.
In a finish few saw coming, VK Gaming started slow but capitalized on disappointing early rounds from heavyweights like 2024 Esports World Cup champions Alliance. VK Gaming played spoiler in spectacular fashion, dashing the hopes of the favorites and stunning supporters inside a packed arena. Instead of competing for the crown, Alliance found themselves near the bottom of the standings and well out of match-point contention after three games.
Unexpectedly, it was not Team Falcons leading the charge either, but fellow Saudi Arabian organization ROC Esports, who surged ahead to start the finals. By Game 3, ROC Esports held a commanding 30-point lead over their nearest rival, Ninjas in Pyjamas, and became the first team to reach match point.
After an early elimination for ROC Esports in Game 5, both VK Gaming and Ninjas in Pyjamas battled their way back into end-game contention. Team Falcons eventually reached match point as well, but despite a dominant performance in Game 7, they couldn’t seal the deal. Instead, Wolves Esports – winners of that round – joined the list of match-point-eligible squads, along with Nemesis Gaming.
In Games 8 and 9, early exits for Falcons and Alliance opened the door, and VKG seized the opportunity, locking down the final circle in the last match. Holding the high ground, they wiped out the remaining opponents and clinched the championship.
With the win, VKG became the first Chinese representatives to claim a title at EWC 2025 and earn crucial points in the race for Esports World Cup dominance. The squad also earns 1,000 points toward their ranking in the Club Championship.
All nine adrenaline-inducing battle royale matches from the ALGS Midseason Playoffs at EWC 25 finals – as well as the entirety of the tournament – can be viewed on YouTube.
SONY MVP
Throughout the series, Chen "QQ" Yin-hong was the standout performer, with 17 kills over the course of the finals, making him tied for second in total kills. Beyond that, his aggression in pushing other teams’ positions and his overall performance made him the clear pick for MVP. He is EWC 25’s fourth MVP winner, earning an additional $10,000 in prize money on top of his team’s $600,000 in winnings.
The ALGS Midseason Playoffs at EWC 25 were only the beginning of the battle royale action at the Esports World Cup. Next week, players from around the world will compete in Free Fire at EWC 25. The PUBG Mobile World Cup at EWC 25 and Call of Duty: Warzone at EWC 25 are also scheduled for later in July and August.