StarCraft 2 returns to the Esports World Cup with some huge names in the mix

StarCraft 2 may be a somewhat niche title nowadays, but this week will see it make an appearance at the Esports World Cup. While the real-time strategy (RTS) title may not garner the same appreciation as it once did, the scene is still thriving. With that in mind, we take a look at StarCraft 2 at the Esports World Cup, and the top players that could take home all the spoils.

As mentioned previously, the game does not have a huge following anymore. As such, there are very few major events each year. The Esports World Cup has put StarCraft 2 back on the map in a big way. With huge prize pools back on the cards, some of the faithful few dust off their keyboards and bring out the Overlords to compete.

As Team Liquid’s star, Clément "Clem" Desplanches has a lot on the line. As the returning champion, Clem has had a great year in smaller tournaments. Taking down some of the best, Clem’s Terran play is a force to be reckoned with. In Group A for the event, Clem has some serious challenges ahead of him. But, with a double-elimination bracket, all players will have a lifeline.

Having won DreamHack Dallas 2025 in May of this year, Maru is one player who has had the most practice in recent times. Tasting victory so recently, Maru’s brilliance has been shining for many years. Much like Clem before, Maru remains one of the absolute best Terran players in the world. This gives him a massive chance at adding the Esports World Cup championship in StarCraft 2 to his 2025 repertoire.

Possibly one of the most prolific SC2 players, Serral has a long history of huge victories. Playing under the BASILISK banner, Serral came second in 2024 at the StarCraft 2 event at the Esports World Cup. His main goal this year will definitely be taking down Clem, as the two have had a back-and-forth rivalry. Most importantly, it was Clem that dominated Serral at the 2024 EWC, and he will be looking for revenge.

Riccardo "Reynor" Romiti plays under the same banner as Serral, BASILISK. Both Zerg players and amazing at what they do. Reynor’s list of achievements is crazy, as he has had his ups and downs since 2013. However, it has been a rather long drought in S-tier tournaments for Reynor, and the EWC gives him a chance to finally make a stand.

There are far more amazing StarCraft 2 players at the Esports World Cup than just the four mentioned above. With four full days of action and a $700,000 prize pool, we are set for some epic RTS gaming. However, there is much more than the monetary prize pool, with the EWC Club Points also being a huge aspect of the tournament.

The StarCraft 2 event at the Esports World Cup is already underway, as the players fight to survive the play-ins and head into the Group Stage.

For more StarCraft 2 news, stay tuned to esports.gg.