The Hearthstone competitive scene is back to action with its mid-year event, featuring $50,000 in prize money and crucial qualification spots for the World Championship. Running from September 12-14, this tournament brings together sixteen elite players who earned their spots through regional playoffs and ladder performance during the summer qualifying period.
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Tournament Structure and Format
The championship follows a three-day format using the established Conquest ruleset with four-deck lineups and best-of-five matches. Each player presents four decks from different classes, with opponents able to ban one deck before matches begin. Victory requires winning with three separate decks, demanding strategic depth beyond individual game mechanics.
The tournament structure progresses through group stages to single elimination. Days one and two feature Groups A & B, and C & D respectively, each operating under double-elimination brackets that provide second chances for early losses. The top two performers from each group advance to day three's single-elimination bracket, where eight players compete for the championship and World Championship qualification spots.
Prize distribution awards the top four finishers direct invites to the 2025 Hearthstone World Championship, making this tournament very significant for professional players' goals. The remaining twelve competitors will have another opportunity through the Last Chance Qualifier later in the year.
Player Groups and Regional Distribution
The sixteen competitors represent three major regions across four balanced groups:
- Group A: zlsjs (Americas), Gaby (Europe), Photon (APAC), FilFeel (Europe)
- Group B: GamerRVG (Americas), santamaks (Europe), Tansoku (APAC), Nightmare14 (Europe)
- Group C: kevinschmidt (Americas), Soyorin (APAC), Incurro (Europe), PocketTrain (Europe)
- Group D: McBanterFace (Americas), Casie (Europe), Che0nsu (APAC), Tobyka (APAC)
Lost City of Un'Goro included in tournament
The tournament takes place during the Lost City of Un'Goro expansion period, Hearthstone's second major set of 2025. The expansion brought 145 new cards alongside returning Quest mechanics and the new Kindred keyword, which provides bonus effects when playing cards of matching minion types or spell schools on consecutive turns.
The expansion's competitive environment centers around evolved Un'Goro Crater themes, featuring legendary adventurer Loh's expedition to locate the titular lost city. Quest cards return as one-cost spells that begin in opening hands, offering powerful rewards for meeting specific game conditions throughout matches.
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Viewer Engagement and Rewards
Twitch Drops will provide incentives for viewership, offering up to three Lost City of Un'Goro card packs during the tournament weekend. Viewers earn one pack per day by watching official streams on Twitch, requiring linked Battle.net and Twitch accounts for reward distribution.
The Choose Your Champion promotion adds competitive engagement beyond passive viewing. Participants select one tournament competitor, earning additional card packs based on their chosen player's performance advancement. Voting opened yesterday, September 8, and closes on September 12, with rewards scaling from group stage victories through potential championship wins.
Successful champion selections can yield up to five bonus card packs for supporters of tournament winners. The promotion requires no purchase, though pre-purchasing expansion bundles provides additional rewards.
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Hearthstone Summer Championship 2025 Broadcasting and Coverage
Professional casting comes from the established Hearthstone esports team: Edelweiss, Lorinda, Raven, Sottle. Broadcasting occurs simultaneously on Twitch and YouTube platforms, beginning at 9 AM PDT (6 PM CEST) each tournament day.
Co-streaming applications are possible until September 10, expanding coverage through community creators. This approach multiplies viewing options while supporting content creators who can provide alternative commentary perspectives for different audience preferences.
Ready to Watch your Hearthstone Hero Fight for the Trophy?
When the cards are dealt and the decks are locked, only one will rise above the competition at the Hearthstone Summer Championship 2025. With sharp minds and sharper plays, sixteen contenders will challenge the meta and chase glory, all while viewers earn packs and follow the outcome through Choose Your Champion. Get ready for a showdown where preparation meets instinct, and every move could change everything. Gear up, pick your side, and witness the clash where legends are born and the trophy finds its rightful home.
Stay tuned at Strafe Esports for more Hearthstone news. Don't forget to follow our social media for the latest information on your favorite game. If you like exclusive content like player and coach interviews, our YouTube channel is the place to visit!
Feature image credit: Hearthstone
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