Esports World Cup 2025 announces the return of StarCraft II: What we know so far

Esports World Cup 2025 announces the return of StarCraft II: What we know so far

Andre Guaraldo

9 Apr, 2025, 14:07

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Last updated: 27 Oct, 2025, 13:55

The announcement that StarCraft II will be featured in the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) has reignited excitement among fans of the legendary real-time strategy (RTS) game. Despite being over a decade old, the game continues to hold a special place in the esports world mostly due to the passionate community that has kept it alive.

This year’s inclusion in the EWC is particularly significant as it follows the discontinuation of the ESL Pro Tour, making the tournament one of the few remaining global stages for professional StarCraft II players to showcase their skills.

An Appreciated Comeback

This year’s StarCraft II event at the EWC, which will run from August 14 to August 18, will be the second time the game is featured in the tournament. The game made its debut at last year’s event, where Team Liquid’s Clément Clem Desplanches dominated the competition.

The 2025 tournament will feature a revamped competition format. Eighteen of the world’s top players will compete for a share of a $1 million prize pool, with $400,000 awarded to the winner once more.

Who can challenge Clem for this year's EWC title on Starcraft II? (credits: Esports World Cup)
Who can challenge Clem for this year's EWC title in Starcraft II? (credits: Esports World Cup)

Prize Pool and Format

The StarCraft II tournament at the 2025 Esports World Cup features a well-structured format: in summary, the event begins with a Main Stage where players compete in group play using double-elimination brackets, allowing for recovery from early losses. It then transitions to a Knockout Stage with single-elimination matches, where every game becomes crucial. The competition concludes with the Final Four, culminating in a best-of-nine Grand Final to determine the champion.

What Fans Can Expect

For StarCraft II enthusiasts, this year’s EWC promises unforgettable moments. With top players like Clem, Serral, and Reynor likely to participate, fans can expect high-level gameplay showcasing strategic brilliance and mechanical mastery. Tickets are already on sale, offering access not only to matches but also to over 50,000 square meters of fan activities.

As August approaches, anticipation is building for what could be one of the most exciting StarCraft II tournaments of the year. If you want to appreciate an elite RTS competition spectacle, the Esports World Cup 2025 is going to be an unmissable event for you and lots of other fans around the globe.

Follow Esports World Cup on X for latest updates on the event. Tune in to Strafe for latest news, tournaments, matches, and more. Also follow us on X for latest content and coverage.

Feature image credits: Esports World Cup

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