Asian Champions League 2025

The Asian Champions League 2025 is set to be a landmark event in the esports calendar, particularly with its focus on CS2 teams vying to prove their prowess on the grand stage. This tournament is hosted by Hero Esports with notable support from Esports World Cup and DreamHack organizers. It will take place in Shanghai, showcasing some of the most thrilling competitions across nine distinct esports titles, with the highlight being the CS2 matches.

Participants will compete not only for a significant share of a $300,000 prize pool but also for crucial VRS ranking points and a coveted entry to the Esports World Cup 2025. The event promises to draw significant attention in Asia, spotlighting talent from games like Dota 2, Honor of Kings, LoL, and VALORANT. The league brings anticipation for which team will ultimately triumph in this prestigious setting.

Structure and Participants of the 2025 ACL

The 2025 Asian Champions League is set to bring together top Counter-Strike 2 teams in Yancheng and Shanghai, China. The competition is designed for eight elite squads, starting on May 6 and culminating with the finals on May 16.

Participation in the event is determined through both direct invitations and a qualifying process. Four teams have secured their spots through VRS invitations, including FlyQuest, Lynn Vision, The Huns Esports, and TYLOO. Meanwhile, the remaining teams will need to earn their places through a closed qualifier, which welcomes contenders from across Asia and Oceania.

The tournament's format involves splitting the eight qualified teams into two groups of four. These groups will engage in a double-elimination round to determine which teams will advance. The leading team from each group will progress to the grand final, while the second-placed teams will fight it out in a playoff for third place.

The action will conclude with final playoff matches hosted at the KPL Esports Centre in Shanghai. The initial round of the closed qualifier will feature potential competitors like Rare Atom, Chinggis Warriors, and several others aiming to secure their spot in this prestigious tournament.

ACL 2025 Timetable, Outcomes, and Rankings

Preliminary Rounds (Apr. 17-27)

The closed preliminary phase of the ACL 2025 is still in the planning stages. More updates will be available soon as teams prepare to compete for stage advancement.

Initial Phase (May 6)

The primary segment begins on May 6, after the conclusion of the closed preliminaries, setting the stage for the main action with group matchups.

Final Stage (May 16)

The climax of the competition comes on May 16, featuring top contenders battling it out, with the winner earning a coveted spot in the EWC event in Riyadh.

Rankings

How to Watch ACL 2025: All Streams

ACL 2025 will be broadcast live on both Twitch and the Chinese platform Huya. For specifics about the lineup and schedule, keep an eye on updates available directly on these streaming services.