Esports has grown into a global phenomenon, bringing fame and fortune to its top players. By the end of January 2025, the landscape will feature a mix of seasoned legends and emerging champions who inspire millions. And later this year, all of them will be on display live on DAZN for the Esports World Cup.
The upcoming gaming showpiece will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia later this summer, with titles such as Dota 2, Counter-Strike, Overwatch, and Rocket League all set to feature. But which superstars will be heading to the Arabian Gulf, and who paved the way for the new breed to shine? Let's find out what’s what in this exciting space.
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Three Esports Players to Watch Out For in 2025
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The Old Guard
The current stars of 2025 owe much of their success to pioneers who helped bring esports to the mainstream. Two of the most notable figures are Daigo Umehara and Jonathan "Fatal1ty" Wendel.
The former ultimately became known as "The Beast," primarily thanks to his dominant beatdowns on Street Fighter. His iconic comeback against Justin Wong at Evo 2004 remains one of the most-watched moments in esports history, establishing a foothold for competitive gaming long before it powered into the mainstream.
Fatal1ty, meanwhile, is widely regarded as one of the first true professionals. He specialized in first-person shooters like Quake and Unreal Tournament, winning multiple world championships throughout the noughties and helping to cement esports as part of today’s world. But who has followed in his footsteps?
Lee "Faker" Sang Hyeok
With a terrifying nickname of "The Unkillable Demon King," Faker has been striking fear into the hearts of League of Legends gamers for well over a decade. At 28, the South Korean sensation is somewhat of a veteran in the game, beginning his career back in 2013 and going from strength to strength in the 12 years since.
He is a five-time world champion, claiming his first crown in his maiden year on the circuit before picking up back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016 with the famed T1 team.
Those triumphs saw Sang Hyeok secure massive prize money, something he could never have dreamed of when he first turned pro at the beginning of his Esports journey. But perhaps his crowning moment came last year when he led his beloved T1 team to victory in the maiden Esports World Cup, even securing MVP honors in the process.
This year, he is aiming to go back to back and prove to the rest of the world that he is still the man to beat in the virtual gaming landscape.
Faker's success is not merely tied to his earnings or trophies; it’s his impact on the game that sets him apart. He revolutionized the way players approach mechanics, strategies, and versatility.
His ability to adapt to the game’s meta and his commanding leadership have inspired countless players globally. Now, he looks to cement his legacy by becoming a two-time Esports World Cup champion.
Online oddsmakers certainly favor his chances. The latest esports odds for the ongoing LCK Cup make Faker and T1 the short-priced favorite for the tournament, with odds of 1.04 to win their upcoming clash against DRX, showing just how heavily favored they are.
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Zhang "QiuQiu" Ming
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Zhang "QiuQiu" Ming is another superstar in the world of LoL. He began his career three years later than the aforementioned five-time champ, but he has established himself as a gaming sensation. His breakthrough came in a support role with DAN Gaming, where he helped the team qualify for the LoL Pro League during the 2017 Summer Promotion.
Since then, Ming has played for multiple teams, including IN Gaming, ThunderTalk Gaming, and others. With ThunderTalk Gaming, he refined his skills further, excelling with champions like Varus, Jhin, and Caitlyn before fully committing to his support role.
Eight years on from his debut, he remains a key figure in the esports world, driving the evolution of competitive gaming in China and beyond.
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Mark Anthony "Bob" Urbina
From the Philippines, Mark Anthony Urbina might not be an immediately recognizable name, but his simple "Bob" mantra certainly is. Among the top-performing players in 2024, the Filipino Flash stands out for his willingness to compete across multiple titles, remaining competitive in each and demonstrating his superb versatility.
His specialist game is Dota 2, where he competes with the very best. He will be hoping that his new Greek Fam team can lead him to further glory. Many fans are eagerly awaiting to see what he will achieve in 2025.