The Equal Esports Cup is back for its third edition, bigger and bolder than ever, with a revamped format, more teams, more matches, and a €10,000 prize pool on the line. As one of the premier League of Legends tournaments in the women's and non-binary scene, the competition kicks off in July, featuring eight invited teams and four teams from open qualifiers. Among the confirmed contenders are G2 Hel, Galions Pearl, Solary Académie, SK Avarosa, and Vitality Rising Bees, with three more invited teams yet to be decided upon and revealed. These teams will battle through a high-stakes group stage before entering a double-elimination playoff bracket, culminating in an electrifying grand final at Gamescom in late August. Last year, the cup was won by NNOwO, who defeated G2 Hel 2-1. Unfortunately, the team will not be returning, as its players have joined other teams and the organization has exited the scene.

A New Format

Unfolding across multiple stages, the Equal Esports Cup will begin with an Open Qualifiers phase from May 17-18, 2025. These qualifiers will follow a double-elimination format (subject to change) and determine the four teams advancing to the Main Event, where they will join the eight aforementioned invited participants.

The Main Event kicks off on July 1, running until July 9, with teams divided into two groups based on power rankings. These rankings will be determined by each of the eight invited teams, who will internally rank the other teams based on their perceptions of team strength. Each match in the group stage will consist of two best-of-one games played back-to-back, and the top three teams from each group will secure a spot in the playoffs.

The playoffs, starting on July 22, will follow a double-elimination best-of-three format with Fearless Draft. The top two teams from this stage will advance to the Grand Final at Gamescom in late August. Organizers are currently taking applications for co-streaming opportunities, with hopes to grow and expand the competition. To follow the competition, visit the Cup's new Twitch channel by clicking here.

What about the Game Changers?

Originally reported in January, Riot Games has been working behind the scenes on expanding its Game Changers program in League of Legends, starting with the EMEA region. However, sources have confirmed that the league’s original plans have been delayed, with the new expected launch window now set for the third trimester of 2025. Additionally, the program will feature only one split of competition, instead of the previously planned two.

In the meantime, events like the Equal Esports Cup are stepping in to fill the gap left by this delay. Other smaller competitions, such as the second edition of Girls Girls - Women Play's Café Cuties Cup, will also take place just before the EEC open qualifiers and will feature a €500 prize pool.