Emmy-Winning Director R.J. Cutler’s Esports World Cup: Level Up Premieres June 6 on Prime Video

Prime Video is set to debut Esports World Cup: Level Up, a five-part docuseries chronicling the inaugural Esports World Cup (EWC) of 2024, on June 6. New episodes will release weekly on the platform, available in over 240 countries and territories. The series, helmed by Emmy Award-winning director R.J. Cutler, delves into the stories behind the $60 million tournament that brought together elite players and Clubs from around the world in an unprecedented competition.

Level Up goes beyond gameplay to document the personal journeys, intense rivalries, and emotional sacrifices that defined the 2024 EWC. Filmed during the tournament’s eight-week run in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — an event followed by over 500 million viewers globally — the series highlights the human drama underlying a groundbreaking global esports contest.

Presented in a verité documentary style, the series features exclusive access to the players’ personal lives and behind-the-scenes strategizing. From living rooms in remote corners of the world to tense moments on the main stage, Level Up captures the full spectrum of emotion and preparation that defines top-tier esports.

Global Ambitions, Personal Stakes

Directed by R.J. Cutler and produced by This Machine, part of Sony Pictures Television, Level Up is guided by a team of veteran storytellers including showrunner John Dorsey and executive producers Jane Cha Cutler, Trevor Smith, Elise Pearlstein, and Mark Blatty. Cutler, known for his work on high-profile biographical documentaries, described the series as a window into the unwavering commitment of esports athletes.

“What fascinated me most about the Esports World Cup were the stories that unfolded beyond the screen,” said Cutler. “This isn’t just about massive prize pools and competitive glory — it’s about the resilience, drive, and humanity of players pushing their limits in pursuit of greatness.”

Revolutionizing the Tournament Format

At the center of Level Up is the EWC Club Championship, a multi-title format spanning more than 20 games, where Clubs accumulate points across titles to compete on a unified leaderboard. With $60 million in total winnings, it’s the most lucrative event in esports history. This new model shifts the focus from individual game titles to Club-wide dominance, elevating organizational strategy to the forefront.

“The tournament may crown winners, but it’s the stories behind the victories that matter,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “This series uncovers the real cost of competition — the passion, the heartbreak, and the sheer will it takes to rise to the top.”

Profiles of Resilience and Dedication

Level Up highlights a diverse cast of competitors, each with a unique path to the EWC stage:

• Soka (Team Falcons): A charismatic presence from Oakland, Soka breaks the gamer stereotype with his outspoken energy. Behind the bravado lies a story of adversity and determination forged in a tough upbringing.
• FAKER (T1): A national icon in South Korea, FAKER carries the weight of legend as he battles the isolation and pressure of living up to his historic reputation.
• Sanford (Team Liquid): At just 19, Sanford becomes the primary provider for his family after a personal crisis, giving his quest for victory a deeply emotional dimension.
• Drazah (Atlanta FaZe): Raised in rural Alaska by a single mother, Drazah’s journey from a modest background to global esports stardom embodies perseverance against the odds.
• Chel & Cinny (Team Vitality): The dominant sister duo from Indonesia faces an emotional upheaval when their grandfather passes away during the tournament, challenging their focus and strength as leaders of the top women's team in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
• Yevhen Zolotarov (NAVI): As CEO of a Ukrainian Club, Zolotarov’s mission is intertwined with the conflict at home. His participation in the EWC is both a symbol of resilience and a call to support a war-torn nation.
• Mossad Aldossary (Team Falcons): Born and raised in Riyadh, Aldossary now leads one of Saudi Arabia’s top esports organizations. The stakes are personal as he vies to keep the trophy on home soil, balancing national pride with competitive pressure.

The 2024 Esports World Cup welcomed over 1,500 top-tier players representing 200 Clubs from 100 nations. With 22 tournaments played across 21 titles, it redefined the scale and ambition of esports competition. As the industry evolves into a more structured and globally recognized form of athleticism, Level Up offers a timely portrait of the people pushing the movement forward.

Also Read: India Misses Out on Esports World Cup 2025 in Free Fire – A Major Setback for Indian Esports

Premiering June 6, Esports World Cup: Level Up promises to be more than a behind-the-scenes documentary — it’s a celebration of grit, innovation, and the emerging global culture of competitive gaming.