The Esports World Cup 2025 delivered pure adrenaline as Twisted Minds rose above the chaos to claim the Call of Duty Warzone crown in Riyadh. In a heart-pounding 10-game finale, the Saudi Arabian organisation fought off relentless pressure to secure a victory that marks the first major championship for all three of its star players Aydan “Aydan” Conrad, Riley “zSmit” Smith, and Benjamin “Almond” Rosendahl.
This triumph has been years in the making. Each of these players has been at the top of the Warzone scene since its earliest days, but until now, a LAN victory had always slipped through their fingers. Having placed on the podium at the inaugural Esports World Cup while on separate teams, the trio joined forces under the Twisted Minds banner, and this tournament proved their decision was destiny.
Entering the event as the fourth seed from the North American Qualifier, Twisted Minds impressed early with a strong group stage finish, earning a direct ticket to the finals. Once there, they put on a clinic, landing five top-four finishes in the first six games to reach match point. But with the other finalist, Virtus.pro, breathing down their necks, the tension skyrocketed. It all came down to game 10, where Twisted Minds delivered the decisive win that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
The team walks away with $250,000, but for the players, the title of champions carries even more weight. “It’s my first LAN victory, it means a lot to me,” said Aydan. “To have people in the stands cheering for us, this is not possible without you all.” Riley “zSmit” Smith, whose clutch plays throughout the tournament earned him the SONY MVP award and an extra $10,000, summed it up perfectly: “You start playing five years ago to win on the big stage, and I know this is the best team I’ve ever played with.”
With the win, Twisted Minds collect 1000 Club Championship points, leaping into fifth place overall, just behind Virtus.pro. Still set to compete in five more titles over the coming weeks, they are now in striking distance of the ultimate Club Championship prize.
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