Esports World Cup: Level Up, the documentary series by Emmy-winning director R.J. Cutler, is set to debut on June 6th, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
Ready, Player One! Dive into the High-Stakes World of Esports with Prime Video's Exclusive Documentary Series
Strap in, gamers! Prepare to enter the elite realm of esports as Prime Video presents a gripping, five-part documentary series: Esports World Cup: Level Up. Premiering on June 6, this pulse-pounding suspense-filled journey will take you behind the scenes of the landmark 2024 Esports World Cup (EWC), offering a jaw-dropping glimpse into the lives of the globe-trotting champions who'll stop at nothing to take home a $60 million jackpot.
Directed by the renowned Emmy-winning filmmaker, R.J. Cutler (Billie Eilish: The World's a Little Blurry, Elton John: Never Too Late and Martha), this series promises an unparalleled exploration into the persistence, camaraderie, and cutthroat competition that defines the esports industry. In the spirit of sports films like Rush and Moneyball, Level Up isn't just about the lucrative prize money; it's a character-driven dive into the passion, dedication, and resilience that define the titans of the gaming world[3][4].
Filmed in the heart-stopping verité style, Esports World Cup: Level Up merges captivating home visits from around the world with on-the-ground coverage from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This series follows a diverse cast, from ambitious Club CEOs masterminding titanic strategies to rising stars desperate to etch their names in the annals of gaming history[1][5].
R.J. Cutler sheds light on the grit beneath the glory, casting aside stereotypes to uncover the human side of these digital gladiators. "What drew me to the Esports World Cup was the compelling human stories unfolding within this high-stakes arena," Cutler notes[1]. Through his lens, you'll catch a rare glimpse of the pressure, ambition, and sacrifices that come with competing at such a lofty level[4].
Level Up marks the beginning of a groundbreaking tournament format, The "EWC Club Championship," an unprecedented multi-title tournament where Clubs compete across more than 20 games, with every match, every point, reshaping the race for global dominance[1]. With an abundance of prize money on the line, the EWC isn't just a tournament - it's a battleground for gaming legends cultivated from every corner of the globe[5].
"A win might make headlines - but the real story is the people behind it," says Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation[2]. Level Up delves deep into the hearts and minds of the athletes and teams who'll do anything for the ultimate crown in esports[3].
Here's a sneak peek at some standout stories to expect:
- Soka (Team Falcons) - The smack-talking, street-smart extrovert from Oakland flipping the script on the gamer-loner stereotype.
- FAKER (T1) - The celebrity sensation from South Korea battling his own legend and the isolation it brings.
- Sanford (Team Liquid) - The 19-year-old prodigy from the Philippines, juggling life-or-death stakes with his newfound fame.
- Drazah (Atlanta FaZe) - The Alaskan wonder kid returning home to explain the rise of a pro gamer from a rickety shed.
- Chel & Cinny (Team Vitality) - The trailer-park sisters from Indonesia dominating the women's esports world while grieving a beloved grandfather's passing.
- Yevhen Zolotarov - The CEO of Ukrainian Club NAVI fighting for his homeland in the midst of a devastating war[2].
- Mossad Aldossary - The Saudi CEO of Team Falcons with a nation's pride - and millions of dollars - on the line[2].
Get ready to level up with Prime Video on June 6 and experience the electrifying world of esports in all its glory. Gear up for an exhilarating ride filled with triumph, heartbreak, and the raw grit of human determination[1][3][5].
About The Esports World CupThe Esports World Cup (EWC) is a premier annual sporting event and global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom. Its cross-game format pits the world's top esports Clubs against one another for the largest prize pool in esports history. Home to gaming and esports communities, the EWC is set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the summer of 2025[2].
About This MachineEstablished in 2020 by Emmy-winning filmmaker and nonfiction pioneer R.J. Cutler, This Machine is a documentary powerhouse. Their recent works include Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series on Apple TV+, the feature documentaries Karol G: Tomorrow Was Beautiful and Lee Soo Man: King Of K-Pop on Netflix, and the Academy Award-shortlisted Billie Eilish: The World's A Little Blurry[2].
[1] Esports World Cup Foundation. (2025). PR Newswire. Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emmy-winning-director-rj-cutlers-docuseries-esports-world-cup-level-up-premieres-june-6-on-prime-video-302465398.html[2] Cision PR Newswire. (2025). PR Newswire. Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/emmy-winning-director-rj-cutlers-docuseries-esports-world-cup-level-up-premieres-june-6-on-prime-video-302465398.html[3] Mashable. (2021). Esports World Cup is bringing a record-breaking prize pool to Saudi Arabia. Retrieved from https://mashable.com/article/esports-world-cup-2024-battle-grounds-saudi-arabia[4] SportsPro. (2024). Esports World Cup reveals impressive prize pool and tournament format ahead of 2024 event. Retrieved from https://www.sportspromedia.com/insights/esports/esports-world-cup-reveals-impressive-prize-pool-and-tournament-format-ahead-of-2024-event/[5] VentureBeat. (2023). The Esports World Cup's revolutionary multi-title Club format. Retrieved from https://venturebeat.com/2023/03/14/esports-world-cups-revolutionary-multi-title-club-format/
- To catch a glimpse of the latest news and updates from the gaming world, tune in to Prime Video's documentary series, Esports World Cup: Level Up, as it delves into the realm of entertainment with captivating stories of esports champions.
- As these esports gladiators strive for victory in the Esports World Cup, they are equally engrossed in the pulsating world of cloud technology, utilizing advanced systems and networks for flawless gaming experiences, making their journey even more compelling.