Cristiano Ronaldo appointed Global Ambassador of Esports World Cup 2025

Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, to headline the $70,000,000+ Esports World Cup, bringing together the traditional sports and competitive gaming worlds.

Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, is no stranger to the Esports World Cup. He played a key role in its 2023 global announcement and attended last year’s Closing Ceremony in Riyadh, where he celebrated Team Falcons’ Club Championship victory. This year, Ronaldo will lead EWC’s global campaign and its theme, “Rise Above,” which celebrates the human potential of pushing the boundaries in the pursuit of greatness.

Cristiano Ronaldo connects generations, from lifelong football fans to today’s emerging esports athletes,His pursuit of greatness mirrors the spirit of EWC: the biggest stage for the best players. We’re humbled to have the greatest of all time stand with us in this moment for esports. — Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation

With over 1 billion social media followers, Ronaldo’s involvement is set to amplify the Esports World Cup reach, introducing esports to his millions of fans worldwide.

Sport is always evolving, and esports is one more frontier. The commitment, drive, talent, and intensity I have been able to see in esports athletes is no different from what I’ve experienced on the pitch. I’m proud to stand alongside these competitors and be part of a global event that’s inspiring a new generation. — Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s appointment as brand ambassador signals Esports World Cup Foundation's desire for mainstream validation for esports as a global sport and its efforts in creating a crossover appeal between traditional sports and esports.

$70,000,000+ total prize pool at Esports World Cup

Esports World Cup will kick off with a record-breaking total prize of more than $70,000,000 next month on the 7th of July and will unfold until August 24 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with tournaments held for 25 esports titles.

“The record-breaking $70+ million prize pool, along with our commitment to the Club Partner Program and our multi-year publisher agreements, is a privilege to announce and validation of our purpose to elevate the industry, by giving players, clubs, publishers and all other stakeholders the stability needed to invest for future success,” said Ralf Reichert. “While more than $70 million is an incredible, life-changing sum, it’s always aligned with a long-term vision rather than short-term impact. It’s not just to have more money at stake, but to create opportunities for everyone at every level of the ecosystem, and strengthen the industry for generations to come."

The EWC Club Championship is a cross-game competitive format unique to the EWC, and will award $27 million of the $70+ million total to the top 16 Clubs based on their overall performance, with $7 million going to the 2025 winner.