Sentinels, Karmine Corp, NRG and BBL Esports left EWC 2025

The first day of the playoffs of the Esports World Cup 2025 has concluded.  

At 11:00 CEST, matches took place between Paper Rex and Sentinels and between Karmine Corp and Fnatic. Paper Rex were unstoppable, defeating Sentinels with a score of 2:0. Can Paper Rex take the second tournament in a row? Sentinels finished their performance in 5-8 place, taking $40,000 and 200 Club Points for their organization's overall standings across all disciplines.

Fnatic, in turn, defeated Karmine Corp. On the first map, they made an impressive comeback, and won the second almost without resistance. Karmine Corp leave the tournament in 5-8 place with $40,000 and 200 Club Points. Fnatic advanced to the semifinals, where they will meet Paper Rex at 11:00 CEST.  

At 14:15 CEST, games were held between Gen.G Esports and NRG and between Team Heretics and BBL Esports. Gen.G Esports confidently defeated NRG with a score of 2:0, not encountering serious resistance on either map. This marks the end of NRG's journey at the Esports World Cup 2025 — they finished in 5-8 place, receiving $40,000 and 200 Club Points. 

The match between Team Heretics and BBL Esports, despite the final score of 2:0 in favor of Team Heretics, was prolonged due to sound issues, causing frequent technical pauses. However, this did not prevent Team Heretics from showing a strong game. Is the team returning to form? BBL Esports left the tournament in 5-8 place, taking $40,000 and 200 Club Points. Team Heretics will face Gen.G Esports for a slot in the final. 

The Esports World Cup 2025 is taking place from July 8 to 13 in Riyadh, at Boulevard Riyadh City. The tournament features 16 teams: four from each region — two from VCT 2025 Stage 1 and two from additional qualification. The prize pool is $1,250,000.