These new partnerships mean exciting news for fans of Valorant and Fatal Fury.
As announced by the Esports World Cup Foundation, new three-year partnerships with Riot Games and the SNK Corporation will add tactical hero fps Valorant and fighting game classic Fatal Fury to the events line up.
After the first event in 2024 with 200 clubs and 1,500 players from over 100 countries, competing in 22 tournaments with up to 21 games for a cash prize of $60 million, gathering more than 500 million viewers online and 2.6 million at the venue during the eight weeks of the event – the next EWC will happen this summer and add both games to the roster.
This means during the EWC set in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, not only League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics but Valorant and Fatal Fury as well will take place and have their time to shine.
Riot’s Valorant
After Riot Games was already featured in last year's event with LoL and TFT, Valorant will bring together some of the most renowned professionals for the biggest major tournament outside the VCT structure.
Pointing out the influence of Riot Games to the world of esports Fabian Scheuermann, Chief Games Officer of the EWCF said:
Riot Games has played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural impact of esports, transforming competitive gaming into a global entertainment industry. With the legendary League of Legends World Championship, which continually sets new standards for immersive experiences, the cultural collaborations of VALORANT, and the community-driven events of Teamfight Tactics, Riot has built an esports ecosystem that extends far beyond competition. By integrating these titles into the Esports World Cup, we are not only celebrating exceptional gameplay—we are collectively expanding esports as a global entertainment industry and strengthening the connection between fans, gaming, music, and digital culture.
SNK’s Fatal Fury
After 26 years, a new installment of the legendary fighting game series is finally being released, making its debut this summer in Riyadh at the world’s biggest gaming and esports event.
Game Developer SNK Corporation will show off the newest title of their classic fighting game FATAL FURY: City of Wolves during the event and its potential of being one of the most interesting competitive games in the world of esports.
Fabian Scheuermann about the role of Fatal Fury in the gaming industry:
FATAL FURY is a cornerstone of fighting game history, playing a crucial role in shaping the arcade competitive scene of the 1990s and paving the way for the genre’s mainstream revolution. At a time when fighting games and retro titles are experiencing a renaissance fueled by nostalgia, competitive depth, and a passionate community, we are excited to bring the title to the stage of the Esports World Cup through our three-year partnership with SNK. Together, we aim to revive FATAL FURY’s competitive legacy by inspiring a new generation of players and fans, securing the game’s rightful place in the esports universe, and driving the growth of competitive gaming as a global sport.
The Esports World Cup 2025 will once again bring together players and fans from around the world in Riyadh to crown the next Esports World Cup Champion. The unique Club Championship format, which spans multiple games, rewards clubs and players with points based on their achievements. In the end, the highest-ranked club in the overall standings will be celebrated as the Esports World Cup Club Champion—as part of the largest esports celebration in history.
Will you watch the Esports World Cup online or at the venue? What other games would you like to be included in upcoming EWC events?
