The Brawl Stars World Finals 2025 kicked off with electric energy at DreamHack Stockholm. Over three intense days, 16 of the world’s best teams will compete for their share of a massive $1 million prize pool and the coveted title of Brawl Stars World Champions. Day 1 delivered thrilling matches, heartbreak for eliminated teams, and standout performances as players fought to keep their dreams alive.

A million-dollar prize and global recognition

In total, 16 teams representing five regions gathered at DreamHack Stockholm with one goal: to claim the Brawl Stars World Championship trophy. Teams had spent the year competing in grueling monthly finals and last-chance qualifiers (LCQ) to earn their spots.

The prize pool is significant, with $400,000 awarded to the first-place team. Second place will take $200,000, and smaller amounts will be distributed down the ranks. For some teams, simply arriving on this stage represents the culmination of years of hard work.

Format: Only the best move forward

The tournament follows a GSL-style group format. By the end of Day 2, half of the teams will have been eliminated, leaving only eight to compete in single-elimination playoffs for the championship. Each group features tight competition, with Group C already being dubbed the “Group of Death” due to the sheer skill of its participants.

Here’s a summary of the groups:

Group	Top Teams Highlighted	Key Matches to Watch
A	SK Gaming, Revenant Xpark	Revenant’s battle against SK Gaming
B	Team Heretics, Loud	Loud’s veteran experience takes center stage
C	Humble, Rejects	The unpredictable Group C matchups
D	Toxic Lotus, Blazy Raccoon	Emerging rivalries heating up

Day 1: Highlights and key battles

SK Gaming vs. Revenant Xpark: A battle of expectations

SK Gaming, the top seed from the EMA region, began their campaign against Revenant Xpark. This matchup had all the ingredients of a classic: the dominant force versus the dark horse.

SK Gaming lived up to expectations, showcasing the precision and teamwork characteristic of their region. With Pedro coaching and OP leading aggressive plays, their strategy was seamless. Fans were especially excited to see SK incorporate a more proactive approach, balancing out their historically defensive playstyle.

On the other side, Revenant Xpark proved they weren’t to be underestimated. Fresh off a commanding run at LCQ, they brought a bold energy to the stage. Sergeant, one of their star players, consistently made jaw-dropping plays, although the team ultimately fell short in critical moments.

Inner Circle and the end of an era

Other Day 1 headliners included Inner Circle, who faced elimination after a series of heartbreaking losses. Year-long struggles culminated in a disappointing performance that didn’t reflect their true potential. Fans and analysts alike felt for the players, who left everything on the battlefield but couldn’t secure pivotal wins.

Blazy Raccoon pulls off a reverse sweep

Blazy Raccoon’s Day 1 matches were a rollercoaster of emotions. Down to their final chance, they executed a stunning reverse sweep that will undoubtedly go down as one of the tournament’s wildest moments. Their hypercharge execution and last-minute defensive plays had the crowd on their feet, illustrating why this underdog shouldn’t be overlooked.

Shifting game meta influences strategic play

An ever-evolving brawler meta plays a significant role in the World Finals.

Key trends to watch:

• Hypercharges: Blanket nerfs have changed how some brawlers function. While less dominant than last year, characters like Ruffs remain pivotal.
• New faces in the brawler lineup: Ziggy, the latest addition, is turning heads with game-changing abilities. Ruffs’ recent hypercharge upgrades provide creative opportunities, allowing teammates to traverse maps in ways previously impossible.

Teams that adapt to these changes quickly are likely to gain an upper hand.

Takeaways: Intensity is ramping up

With half the field set to leave after Day 2, today’s matches were a testament to the razor-thin margins between victory and defeat. The unpredictable nature of this tournament has exhilarated fans, with key underdog teams outperforming expectations in moments and seasoned veterans struggling to adapt.

What to expect moving forward:

1. Group C (“Group of Death”) promises fireworks with unpredictable outcomes.
2. Big names in SK Gaming and Revenant Xpark will need to sustain Day 1’s momentum.
3. The pressure is mounting for teams on the brink of elimination.

FAQ: What you need to know about Day 2

How does the elimination format work?

The tournament uses a GSL-style group stage. Teams that lose twice in their group are eliminated. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout playoffs.

What is Group C, and why is it special?

Group C features an unpredictable mix of dominant and rising teams. This has resulted in intense speculation about which teams can survive.

Which brawlers should I watch for in Day 2?

Ruffs and Ziggy are gaining prominence, thanks to recent adjustments to their abilities, which offer new strategies for competitive play.

The countdown to crowning the Brawl Stars World Champion continues. As Day 2 approaches, the stakes grow higher, and the matches promise even more heart-pounding drama. DreamHack Stockholm has already proven itself the perfect setting for such an explosive contest. Stay tuned for more coverage as this tournament reaches new heights.