VALORANT joins Esports World Cup 2025 amid fan controversy over Saudi Arabia venue
VALORANT joins the Esports World Cup 2025 through a three-year partnership between Riot Games and the EWC Foundation. The tournament will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, alongside existing Riot titles League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics.
Valorant error screen with chessboard pattern
The partnership includes:
- Integration into Riot's competitive circuits
- EWC branding at global LAN events
- In-broadcast activations starting at VCT Masters Bangkok (Feb. 20)
- Promotional content throughout the competitive season
Gamers striking dynamic poses
The 2025 EWC will feature:
- 23 tournaments across 22 games
- Top teams and players from around the world
- Summer scheduling similar to the 2024 edition
However, the announcement has reignited controversy regarding Saudi Arabia's human rights record. While organizers maintain that funding comes from various sources including sponsorships and host-nation support rather than Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, community concerns about inclusivity and diversity persist.
The tournament's integration begins with VCT Masters Bangkok on February 20, marking VALORANT's first appearance in this major international competition. Participating organizations will be announced in the coming months.
[Rest of images maintained as in original article]
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