The highly anticipated docuseries, “Esports World Cup: Level Up,” is set to launch its second season on June 26th, with all five episodes exclusively available on Amazon’s Prime Video. This season, helmed by acclaimed filmmaker R.J. Cutler, known for his work on “Martha” and “Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry,” delves into the personal narratives woven into the fabric of the 2025 Esports World Cup, recognized as the globe’s premier competitive gaming event. Through a candid, observational style, the series follows the intricate lives of players, clubs, and their families, capturing the immense pressure and aspirations inherent in such a high-stakes tournament.

Filmed over seven weeks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the second season meticulously chronicles the pursuit of the staggering $70 million prize fund and the prestigious EWC Club Championship. Beyond the competitive arena, the series shines a spotlight on the individual journeys that define this contest. Viewers will meet prominent players such as Jake “Boaster” Howlett from Fnatic (VALORANT), Vivi “Vivian” Indrawaty representing Team Vitality (MLBB), Kasimili “Soka” Tongamoa of Team Falcons (Call of Duty: Warzone), Xiao Hai from KuaiShou Gaming (Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves), and Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren of Mongolz (Counter-Strike). The production team extended its reach globally, conducting at-home interviews in the U.K., U.S., and Indonesia to provide a holistic view of these competitors’ lives. The series also features appearances by notable personalities from diverse fields, including opening act Post Malone, chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, and soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo, all of whom contribute to the rich tapestry of the esports phenomenon.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation, expressed that “Level Up” vividly portrays the human aspect underpinning the Esports World Cup, offering an intimate look at the individuals navigating moments of intense pressure, ambition, and the unwavering support of their families. Director R.J. Cutler added that this new chapter deepens the exploration of a global phenomenon that transcends mere competition, focusing on human ambition and identity. He emphasized that esports represents one of the most dynamic cultural movements of our time, and Season 2 continues to document not only the contests but also the dreams and sacrifices of the central players, revealing a world that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The documentary also showcases the reactions of other prominent sports and entertainment figures, such as F1 champion Lando Norris, Brazilian football icons Ronaldo Nazario and Kaká, professional footballer Alisha Lehmann, skateboarder Tony Hawk, and tennis star Nick Kyrgios, further underscoring the widespread appeal of esports.

The 2025 Esports World Cup achieved remarkable viewership figures, attracting 750 million global viewers and accumulating 350 million hours of watch time, with peak concurrent viewership reaching nearly 8 million during the League of Legends tournament. Broadcast across 28 platforms, 97 partners, and over 800 channels in 35 languages, the event featured 25 tournaments spanning 24 games, involving more than 2,000 players from approximately 200 clubs across over 100 countries. The upcoming 2026 Esports World Cup is slated to take place in Paris, France, from July 6th to August 23rd, where top clubs will vie for an increased prize pool of $75 million and the 2026 EWC Club Championship trophy. The docuseries “Esports World Cup: Level Up” is a production of Cutler’s This Machine, a division of Sony Pictures Television, with John Dorsey returning as showrunner, alongside executive producers Jane Cha Cutler, Trevor Smith, Elise Pearlstein, and Mark Blatty. This series continues to illuminate the dedication, passion, and sheer talent driving the competitive gaming world, demonstrating that with perseverance and a strong support system, individuals can achieve greatness on a global stage.