Jun 03, 2025.
A five-part documentary is shining a light on how the Esports World Cup provided an opportunity for the esports community to rise up like never before. Esports World Cup: Level Up is coming to Prime Video on June 6th, allowing mainstream audiences to experience the heart, talent, intensity, and sweatiness of esports and its community like never before.
Level Up will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries over the world, bringing esports to the masses. The five episodes combine intimate at-home visits with on-the-ground coverage of the Esports World Cup, giving viewers a complete look at what it takes to be the best — the sacrifices, the challenges, the rivalries.
Shot in R. J. Cutler’s signature gritty, unscripted style, Level Up episodes will come out a week apart, leaving viewers at the edge of their seats with every twist, turn, gank, and headshot.
"What drew me to the Esports World Cup was the compelling human stories unfolding within this high-stakes arena,” said Cutler. “Level Up isn't just about the incredible competition and prize money; it's about the dedication, the passion, and the sheer will of these athletes and teams pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Under high pressure, we discover the true character of the competitors who vie for $60 million, but who also expose their humanity in the process."
The inaugural Esports World Cup was a record-shattering esports event that saw millions in prizes and over 500 million fans tuning in. However, the lasting impact of the Esports World Cup goes beyond these numbers — it’s about the esports community that made it all happen from the grit and determination of pros from all around the world to the passion of dozens of esports fandoms.
Level Up will highlight just some of these stories, honing in on the grit, determination, and heart that drives top pros from around the world to fight for an opportunity to compete. From hometown interviews to behind-the-scenes footage from the EWC, the docuseries will shine a light on the sacrifices, challenges, and triumphs that go into being an esports competitor on the biggest stage in the world.
“A win might make the headlines — but the real story is the people behind it,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “Level Up dives into the human side of esports: the pressure, the ambition, the sacrifices. It’s about what it really takes to compete at the highest level — and why it matters. R.J. is the best at bringing those stories to life, and this one captures the heart of what we’re building.”
Esports World Cup: Level Up is a great way to look back at the inaugural event that brought esports and its top competitors to the mainstream, but also celebrate the upcoming EWC 2025, which has even more titles, even more pros, and even more prize money on the line. There are thousands of stories that could be told behind the scenes of the Esports World Cup, as more and more esports pros push themselves to the limit to compete with the best-of-the-best this summer.
It’s time to get hyped and watch the competition rise up with Level Up.
