After eight weeks of intense competition spanning a dozen game genres and with millions of dollars on the line, the first-ever Esports World Cup has concluded. The event, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw Team Falcons clinch the Club Championship with two trophies and over twice the points of their nearest competitors. The final week also featured thrilling conclusions in Rocket League, PUBG Battlegrounds, ESL R1, and Tekken. Here’s a look back at four standout moments from the tournament's finale.
Monkey Moon's Championship-Winning Goal in Rocket League
Team BDS delivered a remarkable performance to secure the EWC: Rocket League title, overcoming the hometown favorites, Team Falcons, in a 4-2 Grand Final series. The climax came in Map 6 during Overtime, when Monkey Moon scored a breathtaking goal just 15 seconds in. His precise, well-timed shot over three defenders not only secured the championship but also highlighted Team BDS’s exceptional coordination and technical skill. Earlier in the series, ExoTiiK also impressed with a near-impossible shot from a challenging angle, showcasing the team's incredible prowess.
Soniqs' TGLTN Shines in PUBG Battlegrounds
In the EWC: PUBG Battlegrounds, Soniqs emerged victorious with a standout performance in Round 8. Despite being at a disadvantage against Petrichor Road, Soniqs' TGLTN exhibited remarkable skill by securing two crucial kills and playing the final standoff expertly. His clutch plays helped Soniqs secure the round and ultimately the championship, capping off a tournament where they also dominated with 60 kills and three round victories.
Team Redline’s Bump Drafting Victory in ESL R1
The EWC: ESL R1 saw Team Redline assert their dominance in the sim racing world. A highlight moment came in Race 2, Lap 1/7, where Team Redline's Job and Bennet executed a perfect bump draft maneuver. As Job used the slipstream to overtake Mouz Esports' Benecke, Bennet's strategic bump-drafting helped propel Job into the lead. This teamwork exemplified their overall domination and earned them the top spot in the competition.
Yagami’s Epic Comeback in Tekken
In the EWC: Tekken, ULSAN’s 5-0 victory over Team Falcon’s ATIF was a memorable highlight, but an even more gripping moment came from Yagami’s Quarterfinal comeback. Facing off against Chanel, Yagami was down 4-0 and seemed on the brink of elimination. However, he mounted an incredible reverse sweep, winning five consecutive games to complete the only reverse sweep of the tournament. Yagami’s dramatic final round, where he executed a match-winning combo with barely any health left, provided one of the most unforgettable moments of the event.
These moments from the final week of the Esports World Cup encapsulate the excitement and high stakes of the tournament, showcasing the remarkable talent and resilience of players and teams from around the world.