First Matchups of the CWL 2025 Season

The CWL 2025 season has officially begun following the highly anticipated Draw Show on January 21th, where the first matchups for both Division 1 and Division 2 of CWL Rise were revealed. The event was hosted by long-time CWL casters Sandbag and Zathdos, joined by guest analyst SorryImScouse, support player for Excellency. The draw assigned teams to their Week 1 opponents, setting the stage for an exciting start to the season. While every match carries weight, a few key matchups stand out as some of the most exciting clashes of the opening week.

Division 1: Emrys Esports vS Vitagen

One of the most anticipated matchups in Division 1 is between Emrys Esports and Vitagen. Emrys Esports has been a consistent force in CWL, competing for over three seasons and securing a 3rd place finish last season. They have proven themselves as top contenders, with their biggest achievements including 2nd place in Season 7 and another strong 3rd place finish in Season 9. On the other side, Vitagen is making its CWL debut, but their roster is anything but inexperienced. Every member of Vitagen has previously competed in CWL on different teams, making them a formidable opponent despite their newcomer status. This match will be a true test of experience vs. synergy, as Vitagen looks to challenge an established organization in their first official CWL match.

Division 1: Deus Ex Masters vS Infernal Wolves Fenrir

Another must-watch battle features Deus Ex Masters taking on Infernal Wolves Fenrir. Deus Ex Masters enters the tournament led by Flatline and Perceval, two well-known CWL veterans who have built a brand-new team around themselves. While their roster includes several rookies, their leadership and experience make them a dangerous wildcard in the competition. Meanwhile, Infernal Wolves Fenrir is stacked with championship experience, featuring players like Luukbingo (Season 7 Champion), NotSandwich (Season 9 Champion), and Scopes, the only remaining player from the previous IW Fenrir roster. After a disappointing Season 9 performance, IW Fenrir is determined to reclaim their former glory, making this a high-stakes battle between past champions and rising stars.

Division 2: Vulpine Esports vS Borean Gaming

In Division 2, a particularly exciting matchup sees Borean Gaming facing off against Vulpine Esports. Borean Gaming enters as the reigning Division 2 Champions from Season 8, making them one of the most experienced teams in the bracket. Having missed out on last season due to Division 2 not taking place in Season 9, they now return to defend their title with the same roster that won them the championship two seasons ago. Their opponents, Vulpine Esports, are completely new to CWL, but their strong presence in other esports titles suggests they could be a serious contender. Despite being made up of rookies to CWL, their organization has gained a strong reputation, leading many to believe they could pose a significant challenge to the reigning champions.

The Road to CWL Defy Begins

With the first matchups now locked in, CWL Rise officially kicks off, bringing together returning champions, CWL veterans, and hungry newcomers in the first step toward CWL Defy. The first games will take place throughout the week, and fans can watch the action live on CWL’s official Twitch channel. With storylines already forming and rivalries beginning, this season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in CWL history.