The Hero Esports Asian Champions League CS2 has just received a major boost, with the confirmation that the tournament’s champion will secure a direct invitation to the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC). Set to take place from May 6th to 16th, the event will feature eight top-tier Asian CS2 teams battling it out for their share of a $300,000 prize pool, alongside the prestigious EWC qualification now up for grabs. For further Counter Strike news, click here.
A Pivotal Event for Asian CS2
The Asian Champions League was already a significant fixture in the 2025 competitive CS2 calendar, being the only Tier 1 event in the region. However, with the newly announced Esports World Cup slot, the tournament’s importance has skyrocketed. This development makes the ACL the sole pathway for teams outside the top 15, which are determined through direct VRS invites, to qualify for the international showdown.
Key Voices Behind the Announcement
Following the announcement, several prominent figures in the industry shared their excitement about the partnership:
Jonny Wang, CEO of the Asian Champions League, expressed his enthusiasm:
“We are very excited about the increasingly close relationship between the ACL and Esports World Cup, which is testament to the ACL’s ability to provide a platform for some of the world’s best esports teams based in Asia and enable them to excel on the global stage. We look forward to working with the Hero Esports team to organize our upcoming tournaments, as we continue to progress our shared ambition to grow both the Asian and international esports ecosystems.”
Meanwhile, Danny Tang, Co-Founder and CEO of Hero Esports, emphasized the event’s role in fostering talent:
“Hero Esports created the Asian Champions League to bridge the gap between international tournaments and regional leagues, providing a clearer pathway for talented teams to compete on the global stage. The ACL’s continued collaboration with the Esports World Cup is an example of this vision becoming a reality, and it also represents Hero Esports’ commitment to shaping and empowering esports globally.”
Qualification Pathway
The road to the Hero Esports Asian Champions League starts with qualifiers in March, extending through April. Ultimately, four teams will earn their spots via the Closed Qualifiers, while four additional teams will be invited directly through the VRS system. With the Esports World Cup slot on the line, expect high-stakes gameplay and intense competition as teams vie for regional dominance and a chance to compete on the global stage.
