Esports World Cup

Some stories are more compelling than others, and that’s why we’ve highlighted one player from each of the six incredible competitions taking place in Week 3 of the 2025 Esports World Cup.

Serral, BASILISK - StarCraft II at EWC 25

One of the greatest and most dominant Zerg players of all time, and certainly the best outside of Korea, Joona 'Serral' Sotala is a favorite in any tournament he enters. While many expect a repeat of last year’s final against Team Liquid’s Clément 'Clem' Desplanches, Serral looks poised for a return to the final stage of StarCraft II at EWC 25, regardless of whether his young rival makes the same journey.

DaShuai, AG.AL - KWC at Esports World Cup 2025

Meng 'DaShuai' Jiajun isn’t just filling a roster spot, he’s taking on a legacy. The rising star secured the Roamer position on AG.AL, beating none other than former finals MVP Chen 'Cat' Zhengzheng for the role, a player many consider among the greatest in Honor of Kings history.

DaShuai has earned multiple weekly honors in the King Pro League over the past year, but the upcoming KWC at EWC 25 may be his biggest test yet. AG.AL enters the event with a playoff bye, but after slipping in the rankings since the Spring league, the team faces mounting pressure.

aBeZy, FaZe Clan - COD BO6 at Esports World Cup 2025

Led by Tyler “aBeZy” Pharris, FaZe is chasing back-to-back titles in Riyadh heading into Call of Duty BO6 at EWC 25, aiming to become the first-ever two-time EWC champion in Call of Duty.

While their dominance has wavered slightly since their 2024 run, experience is still on aBeZy’s side. Along with longtime teammate Chris “Simp” Lehr, aBeZy is one of the most formidable veterans in the scene. With nearly every major Call of Duty team in the mix, the path to a repeat is anything but easy. Is it time to FaZe up? Or will another champion fall by the wayside?

Kairi, ONIC - MSC at EWC 25 Group Stage

One of the first MLBB import players and regarded as one of the finest junglers in all of ML:BB, Kairi "Kairi" Rayosdelsol is one of the most exciting players at the MSC at EWC 25 Group Stage. It’s difficult to count out ONIC as anything but one of the favorites heading into the ML:BB Mid Season Cup 2025.

Fielding much of 2023’s championship roster, the team is one of the most dominant in Indonesia, rarely falling outside a podium finish. But historically, the team has occasionally struggled on the international stage. If Kairi and his team are able to perform at their peak consistently, they’ll be one of the most exciting teams to watch at EWC 25.

Carrilho, Alpha7 Esports - PUBG Mobile World Cup at EWC 25 Group Stage

Last year’s world champions, Alpha7Esports, didn’t get an automatic invite and instead have battled their way back to the PUBG Mobile World Cup at EWC 25 the hard way through regional qualifiers. That wasn’t a sure thing; they scraped by as a third seed in a stacked region. Still, Lucas "Carrilho" Carrilho and his team are a hungry and talented squad that could place highly in a super competitive series of lobbies.

Carrilho and company are no strangers to the highest stages, having been in finals contention almost every year since 2022.

Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu - Chess at EWC 25 Last Chance Qualifiers

We’re still a week out from the main event of Chess at EWC 25, but in the meantime, GM and world number-four Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu should be one to keep an eye on. Most fans are inevitably waiting to watch Magnus Carlsen during Week 4, especially as the highest-ranked Rapid format player on Chess.com.

However, a recent interview with Carlsen’s wife, Ella, revealed that Magnus believed Praggnanandhaa was the closest player to his playstyle. If Praggnanandhaa is able to replicate and surpass the favorite, he’ll be in a position to compete for the EWC championship.