The 2025 Gran Turismo World Series: A Global Quest for Racing Supremacy

The Gran Turismo World Series (GTWS) 2025, organized by Polyphony Digital, is set to be the most exhilarating chapter yet in the prestigious esports championship that determines the world’s finest Gran Turismo players. Entering its eighth year, the 2025 series promises to be "bigger than ever," featuring intense competition, global live events, and cutting-edge racing simulations through Gran Turismo 7. With two concurrent championships—the Nations Cup and the Manufacturers Cup—the GTWS brings together elite sim racers from around the world to compete for glory. Here’s an in-depth look at what to expect from this thrilling motorsport spectacle.

Overview of the Gran Turismo World Series

The GTWS is a virtual motorsport tournament that pits the best Gran Turismo players against each other in two distinct competitions:

• Nations Cup: Players represent their respective countries or territories, driving a variety of vehicles, including the iconic Gran Turismo Red Bull X2019, a visionary car born from a collaboration between Gran Turismo and Red Bull.

• Manufacturers Cup: Competitors race on behalf of their favorite automotive manufacturers, piloting high-performance Group 3 (Gr.3) cars, a Gran Turismo original category featuring race-tuned production models.

  
  

The series begins with Online Qualifiers, open to all players through Gran Turismo 7’s Sport Mode, and culminates in a series of high-stakes live events. The 2025 season introduces a new seeding system for the Nations Cup, guaranteeing spots for top performers from the 2024 season, including champions like Takuma Miyazono (Japan), Kylian Drumont (France), and Jose Serrano (Spain).

2025 Season Structure and Schedule

The 2025 GTWS kicks off with Online Qualifiers from April 2 to May 10, where players compete in six rounds across both the Nations Cup and Manufacturers Cup. The top performers from the GT1 League (players with an in-game driver rating of A or higher) advance to the live events. The qualifiers feature iconic tracks like Nürburgring Endurance, Autodromo de Interlagos, and Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, with points from the best five rounds determining rankings.

The live events, where the world’s elite drivers converge, are scheduled across four iconic cities:

• Round 1 – London, UK: June 7, 2025, at the BBC Television Centre’s TC1 studio. The event featured a sold-out crowd of 700, with Team BMW’s Seiya Suzuki securing pole in the Manufacturers Cup and Jose Serrano dominating the Nations Cup.

• Round 2 – Berlin, Germany: September 20, 2025, at Uber Eats Music Hall.

• Round 3 – Los Angeles, USA: November 8, 2025, at the historic Orpheum Theatre.

• World Finals – Fukuoka, Japan: December 2025, where the 2025 champions will be crowned.

  
  

Each live event features intense battles for World Series Points, with the Nations Cup champion determined by the highest total score across all races (with ties broken by the Grand Final position). The Manufacturers Cup World Finals includes a team race, combining points from Rounds 1–3 and the final event.

Highlights from Round 1 – London

The 2025 season opened with a spectacular event in London, marked by a festival atmosphere with stunning car displays and a big screen for fans without tickets. In the Manufacturers Cup, Team BMW’s Seiya Suzuki took pole position on the Tokyo Expressway – South Counterclockwise, while Team Subaru’s Takuma Miyazono clinched victory. The Nations Cup saw Jose Serrano dominate the Le Mans 24H Sprint Race in the Aston Martin Valkyrie, followed by a thrilling Grand Final on Gran Valley Highway (Reverse) in Red Bull X2019 cars. Dutch driver Kaj de Bruin’s bold soft-tire strategy briefly put him in the lead, but Serrano’s relentless pace secured maximum points.

What’s New in 2025

The 2025 GTWS introduces several exciting updates:

• Seeding System: The top three Nations Cup drivers from 2024 automatically qualify for live events, ensuring fierce competition from the outset.

• Expanded Live Events: The series visits new venues, including London’s Television Centre and Los Angeles’ Orpheum Theatre, enhancing the global appeal.

• Improved Broadcasting: Enhanced live streams with expert commentary and archived footage ensure fans worldwide can experience the action. Special campaigns, like the “Predict the Winners” and “Viewers Gift” promotions, offer in-game rewards such as up to 2,000,000 credits and race car tickets for Gran Turismo 7 players.

• New Partnerships: A collaboration with Xiaomi introduces the SU7 Ultra to Gran Turismo 7, debuting at the London event.

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How to Participate and Watch

Players can join the Online Qualifiers via Gran Turismo 7’s Sport Mode, with registration based on PlayStation Network account details. The GTWS is divided into three leagues (GT1, GT2, GT3) based on driver ratings, ensuring fair competition. Top performers may earn “Star Player” status, gaining recognition and visibility on the official gran-turismo.com website.

Fans can attend live events by purchasing tickets through platforms like universe.com, with exclusive merchandise available on-site. For those unable to attend, live broadcasts on Gran Turismo LIVE and YouTube, featuring multilingual commentary, bring the action to a global audience. Archived streams ensure no one misses the drama.

The Road to Fukuoka

As the 2025 season progresses, the focus shifts to Berlin, Los Angeles, and ultimately Fukuoka, where the World Finals will crown the champions. With new tracks, cars, and a competitive field featuring both veterans and rising stars, the GTWS continues to redefine virtual motorsport. The series not only showcases skill but also serves as a launchpad for real-world racing careers, with past competitors transitioning to professional motorsport.

For more details, including race regulations and ticketing, visit the official Gran Turismo World Series 2025 Overview at gran-turismo.com. Whether you’re a competitor chasing glory or a fan soaking in the excitement, the 2025 GTWS promises an unforgettable journey.