CS2 World Cup 2025: High Stakes, $1M Prize Pool

The CS2 Esports World Cup 2025 kicks off in Riyadh from August 20–24, bringing a $1,000,000 prize pool and a brutal single-elimination format where every match is do-or-die. With top teams like Team Vitality, Team Spirit, and NAVI in the spotlight, fans can expect a week of intense clashes and shifting narratives.

Key Takeaways

• $1M prize pool, with $500K awarded to the winner.
• Single-elimination format — one loss means elimination.
• Team Spirit is riding a hot streak, while NAVI struggles to defend their 2024 crown.
• Future events like BLAST Open Fall 2025 will continue shaping the CS2 calendar.

Tournament Format and Prizes

Every match counts in this knockout structure. First place will earn $500,000 and 1,000 EWC Club Points, while second, third, and fourth receive $230,000, $130,000, and $70,000, respectively. With no lower bracket, early mistakes could prove fatal.

Team Storylines

• Team Spirit: Fresh off multiple wins, entering as one of the favorites.
• NAVI: Defending EWC 2024 champions, but struggling to find form.
• Team Vitality: Consistently strong, but faltering in recent deep runs.

Looking Ahead

As the CS2 Esports World Cup unfolds, experts and fans alike are watching closely to see who can survive the gauntlet. With BLAST Open Fall 2025 already on the horizon, this event sets the tone for the rest of the year in competitive CS2.