Naver's streaming platform Chzzik has officially kicked off live broadcasts for the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), having secured exclusive Korean-language broadcasting rights for the tournament through 2027. The announcement came on July 8, 2025, marking the start of what is set to be the world’s largest esports festival, running from July 8 to August 24 this year.
The EWC, hosted by the Esports World Cup Foundation, commands a staggering total prize pool exceeding 70 million U.S. dollars—roughly 100 billion Korean won—making it the most lucrative esports event globally. This year’s competition features 24 games across 25 distinct events, with the coveted 'Club Champion' title awarded to the team amassing the highest aggregate points from all competitions.
For Korean esports fans, Chzzik’s exclusive coverage promises an immersive viewing experience, streaming live matches from 14 of the most popular titles, including League of Legends, Battlegrounds, and Valorant. The tournament's allure is heightened by the participation of Korea’s top professional teams such as T1, Gen.G, Hanwha Life, DRX, and Nongshim, drawing significant attention and excitement.
To deepen engagement, Chzzik has assembled a professional commentary team and dispatched popular streamers and influencers like Mimiminou directly to the Saudi Arabian event site. This on-the-ground presence aims to capture the tournament’s vibrant atmosphere and deliver in-depth analysis, particularly for matches involving Korean powerhouse teams.
Chzzik also offers a unique "Watch Together" feature, allowing viewers to enjoy the matches alongside their favorite streamers’ commentary while participating in live chat. This dual-layered viewing option enhances the communal experience, blending official broadcasts with personalized streamer insights and real-time fan interaction.
Beyond live streaming, Chzzik is rolling out several interactive promotions to reward audience participation. The "Drops" event grants viewers exclusive rewards for watching specific games for predetermined periods, while an attendance stamp collection during the tournament period automatically enters fans into prize draws, including airline tickets and other exciting giveaways. These initiatives aim to keep viewers engaged throughout the marathon 48-day competition.
Kim Jeong-mi, leader of Naver Chzzik, emphasized the significance of securing the exclusive Korean broadcast rights. She noted, "EWC is the world's largest esports tournament, having recorded 500 million online viewers and 2.6 million visitors last year. This year, through our exclusive Korean coverage, we expect to offer esports fans a distinctly differentiated viewing experience and a diverse range of content." She further highlighted Chzzik’s commitment to expanding its content ecosystem, fostering a platform where streamers and viewers can enjoy and actively participate together.
Chzzik’s prior success in esports broadcasting is notable; during the 2024 League of Legends World Championship, the platform launched a dedicated channel that peaked at 400,000 concurrent viewers. This track record underscores Chzzik’s growing influence and ambition in the esports streaming landscape.
The 2025 EWC’s format, with its extensive roster of games and teams, presents a dynamic and intense contest for the prestigious Club Champion title. Fans can expect to witness high-stakes battles and strategic gameplay across multiple esports genres, all broadcast with expert commentary and enhanced viewer interactivity.
With top-tier Korean teams competing on the global stage, the tournament also serves as a showcase of Korea’s esports prowess, reinforcing the country’s status as a dominant force in competitive gaming. The presence of professional teams like T1 and Gen.G ensures that the Korean audience has plenty to cheer for, while the international scope of the event broadens the competitive horizon.
Chzzik’s dedicated efforts to deliver a rich, multi-dimensional viewing experience—combining professional analysis, influencer engagement, and interactive features—reflect a new standard in esports broadcasting. This approach not only caters to hardcore fans but also invites casual viewers to dive deeper into the esports world.
As the EWC unfolds over the coming weeks, the tournament’s evolving storylines, individual player performances, and team strategies will be captured live on Chzzik, making it the go-to destination for Korean esports enthusiasts. The platform’s innovative engagement tools and exclusive content promise to keep audiences hooked until the final moments of the competition.
In a rapidly growing esports industry, securing exclusive broadcasting rights to a global event like the EWC positions Naver Chzzik at the forefront of esports media. The platform’s ongoing commitment to expanding its esports content ecosystem is set to enhance the overall fan experience and support the continued growth of competitive gaming in Korea and beyond.
With the tournament’s opening day underway and a packed schedule ahead, all eyes remain on the EWC as teams vie for glory and the prestigious Club Champion title, while fans enjoy unprecedented access and interactive features through Chzzik’s exclusive Korean broadcast.
