Esports World Cup 2026: Dates, Games, Format, Prizes,
The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 marks the third installment of the premier multi game esports extravaganza, uniting top tier talent, leading organizations, and millions of fans worldwide across a diverse array of titles. Hosted by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), this event has solidified its status as a cornerstone of the esports calendar, a sprawling summer festival rather than a one off showdown.
Setting itself apart from single title majors, the EWC weaves together standalone tournaments via the innovative Club Championship. This cross game leaderboard rewards organizations for sustained excellence, transforming the festival into a holistic club competition.
Event Dates and Venue
EWC 2026 unfolds from July 6 to August 23, 2026, embracing a seven week format that lets each game’s tournament shine while building toward the grand Club Championship finale. This extended timeline maximizes depth and excitement, avoiding the crunch of shorter events.
All action centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the event’s established hub. This setup supports massive productions, fan zones, and simultaneous competitions with minimal overlap.
Featured Games and Key Updates
EWC 2026 boasts 25 tournaments across 24 titles, mixing fresh entries with proven favorites. Fortnite debuts via the Reload Elite Series Championship, bringing high octane, respawn heavy battles and a $1 million prize pool. Meanwhile, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 succeeds Black Ops 6 in the lineup.
The 22 confirmed returning titles (alphabetical) are:
- Apex Legends
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (updated from Black Ops 6)
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Chess
- Counter-Strike 2 (prize pool up $750K)
- Crossfire
- Dota 2
- EA Sports FC 26
- FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves
- Free Fire
- Honor of Kings
- League of Legends
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (includes MSC & Women’s Invitational)
- Overwatch 2
- PUBG BATTLEGROUNDS
- PUBG Mobile (World Cup integration)
- Rocket League
- TEKKEN 8
- Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X (winner earns Six Invitational spot)
- Street Fighter 6
- Teamfight Tactics
- VALORANT
Three more titles are slated for reveal soon, rounding out the roster.
Tournament Structure and Integrations
Most events are bespoke EWC tournaments, fully branded and structured for the festival, with results feeding the Club Championship. However, select circuits integrate seamlessly:
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang: MLBB Mid Season Cup 2026 and MLBB Women’s Invitational 2026
- Fortnite: Reload Elite Series Championship
- PUBG Mobile: PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026
This mix delivers bespoke spectacles alongside marquee publisher events under one banner.
Massive Prize Pool
Total prizes surpass $70 million USD, cementing EWC’s place among esports richest gatherings.
Highlights:
- Counter-Strike 2: Boosted by $750,000 over 2025
- Rainbow Six Siege: Top finisher qualifies for Six Invitational
- Full breakdowns per title forthcoming
Club Championship and Partner Program
The Club Program elevates EWC by pitting 40 organizations in a season long battle for supremacy. Points accrue across titles, honoring versatility and roster strength.
Auto qualified (top from EWC 2025): Team Falcons, Team Liquid, Team Vitality, Twisted Minds, Virtus.pro, All Gamers, Weibo Gaming (top eight).Remaining spots via a rigorous selection. Final list drops by January 30, 2026 (applications closed December 18, 2025). Clubs snag six figure funding ($20M total pool).
How to Watch and Attend
Broadcasts span TikTok, Twitch, YouTube, plus game specific channels and co-streams for global reach. On site Riyadh experiences, tickets, and VODs via official EWC platforms.
Since: October 29, 2025
