Amazon Orders Docuseries on First-Ever Esports World Cup Directed by R.J. Cutler (EXCLUSIVE)

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The streaming service, Amazon Prime Video, has commissioned a five-episode documentary series focusing on the first-ever “Esports World Cup.” The show will debut on June 6, preceding the second yearly games of this Saudi Arabia-hosted sports event.

Under the guidance of award-winning filmmaker R.J. Cutler (“Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry,” “Elton John: Never Too Late and Martha”), the documentary titled “Esports World Cup: Level Up” showcases the happenings of the inaugural Esports World Cup in Summer 2024. This groundbreaking event in the esports world attracted over $60 million in total prize money, creating a tense, international competition to determine the world’s premier esports Club.

The show ‘Esports World Cup: Level Up’ offers an inside look at a brand-new global sport and international competition that’s shaping the future of sports champions. R.J. Cutler and his crew captured the action from the Esports World Cup (EWC), which was viewed by more than 500 million people worldwide last summer. The skilled narrators documented all the thrills and suspense, both on and off the playing field, showcasing the fierce rivalries, personal struggles, and exceptional skills that drive the sport’s top performers.

Pre-production for Cutler’s second season has already begun, set to follow the 2025 Esports World Championship that starts in July, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Cutler shared with EbMaster, “We’re already gearing up for Season 2 right now! In just two months, the opening event of the Extreme World Championship will take place. There’s an astounding $70 million in prize money at stake this year, and for the first time ever, clubs are coming back to defend their titles. It seems overwhelmingly new, but when you experience it live, it feels like witnessing a pivotal moment in sports evolution. As we mentioned during last year’s filming, just because something lacks a past, doesn’t mean it isn’t historic.

Under the guidance of Cutler, “Level Up” is manufactured by This Machine, a division of Sony Pictures Television. John Dorsey acts as the showrunner and is joined by Jane Cha Cutler, Trevor Smith, Elise Pearlstein, and Mark Blatty in their executive producer roles.

While a victory may grab the spotlight, it’s the individuals powering it who truly make the news,” stated Esports World Cup Foundation CEO Ralf Reichert. “The series Level Up delves into the personal aspects of esports: the stress, the drive, the concessions. It explores what it entails to compete at the pinnacle level and why it’s significant. R.J. is exceptional at narrating such stories, and this one encapsulates the essence of our mission.

According to Amazon, the “Level Up” docuseries follows multiple EWC subjects, including:

From the gritty heart of Oakland emerges Soka (Team Falcons), the charismatic extrovert who turns the conventional gamer-loner stereotype on its head. He’s not shy about trading banter with opponents, rallying his squad, and confidently predicting victories. Yet beneath this bravado lies a resilience honed from overcoming the challenges of his youth. I admire his courage and tenacity, transforming adversity into inspiration for others.

In South Korea, FAKER’s fame equals or even surpasses that of top K-pop acts. However, he faces a challenge: contending with his own legend and the seclusion born from his enigmatic status. Legends like Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Messi exist in sports; in esports, it’s FAKER who holds such stature.

16-year-old gaming phenom Sanford (Team Liquid), from the Philippines, experiences a significant shift in life following his father’s stroke, becoming the main income provider for his family. With high responsibilities at such a young age, his esports journey transcends the pursuit of titles; it becomes a battle for more than just victories.

As I, Drazah (Atlanta FaZe), step foot back into my humble beginnings, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that led me from a simple shed in North Pole, Alaska, to the grandest stages of esports. Raised by my hardworking single mom alongside my seven siblings, it was here that the seeds of my pro gaming career were sown.

Sisters Chel and Cinny, hailing from a secluded region of Indonesia, headline the most formidable women’s team in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang lore. Since debuting in 2021, they’ve clinched victory after victory, but their tournament prospects are threatened when their cherished grandfather passes away on the day they arrive in Riyadh.

Yevhen Zolotarov, CEO of Ukrainian Club NAVI, is working tirelessly for the loved ones he had to leave behind. On the initial day of Russia’s invasion, his baby son was startled by explosions. The following day, power supplies were severed in the region. He and his team are exerting every effort to aid their war-damaged homeland.

Mossad Aldossary, who currently serves as the 24-year-old CEO of Team Falcons, once was just a child growing up in Riyadh. Today, he stands at the helm of the nation’s most beloved Club, with an opportunity to keep the Cup within their borders. The honor of the nation hangs in the balance – along with a significant amount of prize money – and this young leader feels the weight of expectations.

See below for EbMaster‘s Q&A with Cutler about the “Esports World Cup: Level Up” docuseries.

How did the project come about — who approached who for the doc?

I eagerly seized the chance presented by our collaborators at Sony Television Non-Fiction, offering a captivating universe for storytelling. Rapidly, we organized ourselves to make this project a reality.

What was it like filming portions on the ground in Saudi Arabia vs. the U.S.?

Saudi Arabia presents a striking contrast, much like a David Lean Cinemascope film, offering expansive landscapes and a wide-screen experience. However, it’s not just about the grand vistas; up close, you’ll find an abundance of cultural details that tell a richer story. These details often coexist in sharp contrast – ancient and modern, religious and secular. This is particularly evident in Riyadh, where you might find a 500-year-old mosque standing next to a restaurant reminiscent of those in Los Angeles. Indeed, you’ll find a Jon & Vinny’s or Randy’s Donuts right there! Intriguingly, Riyadh is like an oasis enclosed by futuristic architecture, nestled amidst the desert, giving it a surreal, almost ‘Dune’-like quality when viewed from afar.

Regarding the event itself, the construction created to host the EWC is nothing short of impressive. It features three massive custom-made stadiums. The sheer size of it all serves as a testament to the rising influence of gaming culture. Many claim it’s larger than the film and music industries combined. Witnessing what they built for the EWC makes this claim seem more plausible.

How did you select which subjects to focus on in the doc?

In our approach, we focus on discovering exceptional characters with significant challenges at stake. Last year’s Electronic World Cup (EWC) featured 22 games, and even the most dedicated gamer may not be familiar with every game’s intricate details. What truly captivates us is the character that makes us root for someone even when we don’t fully comprehend the rules.

Many people have preconceived notions about what a skilled gamer should look like. We searched for individuals who defy these assumptions by possessing extraordinary talent. It’s not merely their skill in the game that matters; it’s also the motivations behind their exceptional performance. Life, after all, drives us either towards something or away from something – a notion everyone can relate to.

Consider an 18-year-old gamer who supports his father, who recently suffered a stroke. In this case, it’s evident that this pro-gamer isn’t playing for high scores or bragging rights; he’s playing out of necessity, as he now serves as the family breadwinner. His motivation goes far beyond personal achievements.

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2025-05-27 17:18