StarCraft II Esports World Cup 2025 — Betting Guide, Results & Winners
Last updated: 17 October 2025
Introduction
The StarCraft II Esports World Cup 2025 took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 22–25 July 2025, featuring 18 elite players competing for a US $700,000 prize pool. Finland’s Joona “Serral” Sotala defeated Kim “Classic” Doh-woo in a best-of-nine Grand Final, winning 5–2.
For ongoing tournaments, strategy and bookmaker comparisons, see our StarCraft II betting guide.
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What Is the StarCraft II Esports World Cup?
The Esports World Cup (EWC) is a multi-title festival that crowns champions across leading games and awards Club Championship Points to organisations. StarCraft II joined in 2024, and in 2025 the field featured global qualifiers across Europe, Asia and North America.
2025 Schedule & Format (Riyadh)
- Dates: 22–25 July 2025 • Venue: Boulevard Riyadh City (BR Arena)
- Play-In: Dual-tournament, all matches Bo3
- Groups: Double-elimination; early rounds Bo3, later Bo5
- Playoffs: Single-elimination; quarters/semis Bo5, Grand Final Bo9
Results & Winners
Champion: Joona “Serral” Sotala — $200,000 | 1,000 Club Points
Runner-Up: Kim “Classic” Doh-woo — $100,000 | 750 Club Points
3rd: To be confirmed — $60,000 | 500 Club Points
4th: To be confirmed — $40,000 | 300 Club Points
Prize Pool Breakdown
| Placement | Prize (USD) | Club Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | $200,000 | 1,000 |
| 2nd | $100,000 | 750 |
| 3rd | $60,000 | 500 |
| 4th | $40,000 | 300 |
| 5th–8th | $30,000 each | 200 |
| 9th–12th | $22,500 each | – |
| 13th–16th | $17,500 each | – |
| 17th–18th | $12,500 / $7,500 | – |
StarCraft II Odds & Betting Markets
Typical markets include Match Winner, Map Handicap, Correct Score, Over/Under Maps and occasional player specials. During the 2025 EWC, four of the first six quarter-finals finished 3–2, so +1.5 map handicaps on underdogs performed strongly.
Learn fundamentals like staking plans, line shopping and live-bet timing in our upcoming “How to Place Esports Bets” guide (link in later update).
Expert Betting Tips
- Track patch cycles; even small balance changes shift matchup dynamics.
- Study recent replays to understand unit-composition trends.
- Consider player stamina at five-day LANs; late-series specialists gain edge.
- Diversify between outrights, totals and handicaps; avoid overexposure on one market.
- Compare prices across at least two books; differences of 5–7% are common.
Past StarCraft II Esports World Cup Winners
| Year | Champion | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Clément “Clem” Desplanches | Joona “Serral” Sotala |
| 2025 | Joona “Serral” Sotala | Kim “Classic” Doh-woo |
Where to Watch
Watching live is the best way to get an edge while betting.
Watch the official Esports World Cup streams on
Twitch (EWC).
Catch highlights, VODs and replays on
YouTube (EWC).
For schedules, brackets and statistics, consult verified community coverage on Liquipedia (link in References).
Looking Ahead to 2026
StarCraft II is expected to return for EWC 2026, with potential format expansion and increased Club Championship incentives. We will update this page with dates, participants and results once announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bet on StarCraft II legally?
Yes — in regulated markets (e.g., UK, Ireland, Canada) with licensed operators. Always check local laws and age requirements.
Where can I find the best StarCraft 2 odds?
GG.BET, Thunderpick, Stake and BetOnline consistently publish competitive pre-match and live odds for major SC2 tournaments, including the EWC.
What are the safest markets for beginners?
Start with Match Winner and Over/Under Maps. They’re easier to understand and less volatile than props or correct score.
Can I use cryptocurrency?
Yes. Thunderpick and Stake accept major coins for deposits and withdrawals (availability varies by region).
Is live betting on SC2 profitable?
It can be, but timing matters. Value often appears right after the first map ends — only bet live if you’re watching and can manage risk.
References
- Liquipedia — StarCraft II Esports World Cup 2025 (event structure, results, prize pool)
- Esports World Cup Foundation announcements (schedule, venue, invitations)
- Esports Charts (viewership, match stats)
- Dot Esports / Team Liquid forums (verified community analysis)
About the Author
Written by: Cian O’Rourke — Esports Betting Analyst at eGamingHQ (eight years covering SC2, LoL, Valorant betting trends and line movement).
Reviewed by: Aoife Brennan — Senior Content Editor & Responsible Gambling Lead. All facts verified against Liquipedia, EWC and reputable data sources.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you register or deposit — at no extra cost to you. We only recommend licensed operators that meet our review standards.
Responsible Gambling: 18+ only. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
Need help? BeGambleAware.org | GamblingTherapy.org
Continue learning on our StarCraft II betting page. Once live, we’ll also link to the Esports World Cup Hub for all games, schedules and winners.
