Amazon’s Prime Video has announced the production of a five-part docuseries centered around the inaugural “Esports World Cup.” The series is set to premiere on June 6, just ahead of the second annual games taking place in Saudi Arabia. Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker R.J. Cutler, known for his work on documentaries such as “Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry” and “Elton John: Never Too Late and Martha,” the docuseries titled “Esports World Cup: Level Up” will provide viewers with an inside look at the groundbreaking event that took place in Summer 2024.
The first Esports World Cup made waves in the global esports scene, with over $60 million in total prize money up for grabs, leading to a fierce competition among multinational esports clubs vying for the title of world champion. The series promises to showcase the excitement, drama, and intense rivalries both on and off the arena, shedding light on the personal sacrifices and extraordinary talent that drive the sport’s elite athletes.
Following the success of the first season, Cutler is already in pre-production for a second season that will cover the 2025 Esports World Championship, scheduled to kick off in July in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With $70 million in prize money on the line and defending champions returning to compete, the upcoming season promises even more thrilling moments and historic achievements.
Produced by Sony Pictures Television’s This Machine, “Level Up” is spearheaded by showrunner John Dorsey and executive producers Jane Cha Cutler, Trevor Smith, Elise Pearlstein, and Mark Blatty. The docuseries aims to delve into the human side of esports, highlighting the pressure, ambition, and sacrifices that players make to compete at the highest level and why their journey matters in the grand scheme of the sport.
The series will follow several key figures from the Esports World Cup, including Soka from Team Falcons, FAKER from T1, Sanford from Team Liquid, Drazah from Atlanta FaZe, Chel & Cinny from Team Vitality, Yevhen Zolotarov from Ukrainian Club NAVI, and Mossad Aldossary, CEO of Team Falcons. Each individual brings a unique story and perspective to the world of esports, showcasing the diversity and determination within the gaming community.
In a recent interview with Variety, Cutler discussed the process of creating the docuseries and the challenges of filming in Saudi Arabia compared to the U.S. He emphasized the importance of finding compelling characters with high stakes to drive the narrative and engage viewers, ultimately creating a captivating and immersive experience for audiences.
Overall, “Esports World Cup: Level Up” promises to be a riveting exploration of the evolving world of esports, capturing the heart and soul of the sport through the eyes of its dedicated players and fans. Stay tuned for the premiere of this groundbreaking docuseries on Amazon Prime Video.
