The Esports World Cup (EWC) is poised to be the largest esports event in history, offering an unparalleled opportunity for fans, players, and betting enthusiasts alike. Building on the success of Gamers8, the EWC 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, promises an even grander scale with a staggering multi-million dollar prize pool and an expanded roster of game titles.
Whether you’re looking for the full schedule, details on your favorite game, how teams qualify, or the best ways to get involved (including betting!), this comprehensive guide has you covered.
What is the Esports World Cup 2026? The Largest Esports Event Explained
The Esports World Cup (EWC) is a groundbreaking global esports tournament series envisioned by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Its primary goal is to accelerate the growth of the global esports industry and solidify Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a premier global gaming and esports hub. Often dubbed the “Olympics of Esports,” the EWC brings together the world’s best players and clubs across a diverse array of game titles.
For 2026, the EWC is set to be bigger than ever, featuring:
- Record-Breaking Prize Pool: An unprecedented prize pool exceeding $70 million, making it the largest in esports history.
- Expanded Game Roster: Over 25 popular esports titles, ensuring something for every fan.
- Unique Club Championship: A revolutionary format rewarding multi-game esports organizations for their overall performance across different titles.
- EWC Festival: A vibrant entertainment spectacle running alongside the tournaments, offering immersive gaming experiences, cultural activities, and more.
The EWC’s significance extends beyond competitive gaming, playing a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and establish the Kingdom as a global leader in various sectors, including technology and entertainment.
Esports World Cup 2026 Full Schedule: Dates, Games & What to Watch
The Esports World Cup 2026 will span several weeks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, running from July 8th to August 24th, 2025, delivering non-stop competitive action.
Here’s a breakdown of the confirmed titles with their scheduled dates, prize pools, and number of participants (teams or players):
| Game Title | Dates | Prize Pool | Participants (Clubs/Players) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dota 2 | July 08 – 19, 2025 | $3,000,000 | 16 Clubs |
| Rennsport | July 08 – 11, 2025 | $500,000 | 9 Clubs |
| VALORANT | July 08 – 13, 2025 | $1,250,000 | 16 Clubs |
| Apex Legends Global Series | July 10 – 13, 2025 | $2,000,000 | 40 Clubs |
| Honor of Kings (KWC) | July 10 – 20, 2025 | $3,000,000 | 18 Clubs |
| FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves | July 10 – 12, 2025 | $1,000,000 | 16 Players |
| Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MSC) | July 15 – 19, 2025 | $500,000 | 16 Clubs |
| League of Legends | July 16 – 20, 2025 | $2,000,000 | 12 Clubs |
| Free Fire | July 16 – 20, 2025 | $1,000,000 | 18 Clubs |
| StarCraft II | July 22 – 25, 2025 | $700,000 | 18 Players |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 | July 24 – 27, 2025 | $1,800,000 | 16 Clubs |
| PUBG Mobile | July 25 – August 03, 2025 | $3,000,000 | 24 Clubs |
| Chess | July 29 – August 01, 2025 | $1,500,000 | 16 Players |
| Overwatch 2 (MSC Champions Series) | July 30 – August 02, 2025 | $3,000,000 | 16 Clubs |
| Rainbow Six Siege (Siege X) | July 31 – August 03, 2025 | $1,000,000 | 16 Clubs |
| Call of Duty: Warzone | August 06 – 09, 2025 | $1,000,000 | 21 Clubs |
| Teamfight Tactics (ALGS World Championship) | August 07 – 10, 2025 | $1,500,000 | 32 Players |
| PUBG: Battlegrounds | August 11 – 15, 2025 | $500,000 | 16 Clubs |
| TEKKEN 8 | August 13 – 18, 2025 | $1,000,000 | 32 Players |
| Rocket League | August 14 – 17, 2025 | $1,000,000 | 16 Clubs |
| CrossFire | August 19 – 23, 2025 | $2,000,000 | 16 Clubs |
| Counter-Strike 2 | August 20 – 24, 2025 | $1,250,000 | 16 Clubs |
| Street Fighter 6 | August 20 – 23, 2025 | $1,000,000 | 48 Players |
The Club Championship: A Revolutionary Format
Beyond individual game tournaments, the Esports World Cup introduces the Club Championship, a unique competition where esports organizations accrue points based on their performance across multiple game titles throughout the event. This highly anticipated championship boasts a massive $27 million prize pool for 2026, rewarding the most versatile and consistently performing multidisciplinary clubs. This innovative format encourages organizations to invest across various esports, fostering a more sustainable and diverse ecosystem.
Additionally, a total of $450,000 will be awarded in MVP prizes across different tournaments, recognizing outstanding individual player performances.
Road to EWC 2026: How Teams Qualify for the Esports World Cup
The path to the Esports World Cup is competitive, with teams earning their spots through various routes. The EWC aims to bring the best of the best, ensuring high-stakes and thrilling matches.
Qualification Paths:
- Direct Invites: Top-performing teams from major global tournaments or previous EWC/Gamers8 events often receive direct invitations.
- Regional Qualifiers: Many game titles will host dedicated online or offline regional qualifiers allowing teams from different parts of the world to earn their spot.
- Ecosystem-Specific Events: Partnerships with existing game publishers and tournament organizers mean that certain major leagues or events might directly feed into the EWC, serving as de facto qualifiers.
The Club Partner Program: Leading the Charge
A cornerstone of the EWC’s long-term vision is the Esports World Cup Club Partner Program. This groundbreaking initiative supports leading multidisciplinary esports organizations globally, providing them with:
- Significant Funding: Participating clubs receive six-figure annual base funding, along with additional incentives based on their fan engagement and brand activation efforts.
- Sustainability & Growth: The program aims to foster financial stability for clubs, enabling them to expand their operations, invest in new titles, and create more engaging content for fans.
- Visibility: Partnered clubs gain prominent exposure through EWC platforms and events.
As revealed, a remarkable 40 premier esports organizations are part of this program, representing the elite of global esports. These clubs are expected to be key contenders across multiple EWC titles, driving much of the Club Championship narrative.
Here is the complete list of the EWC Club Partner Program teams for 2026:
| 100 Thieves | FaZe Clan | MOUZ | Team Secret |
| All Gamers | Fnatic | Movistar Koi | Team Spirit |
| Bilibili Gaming | FURIA | Natus Vincere (Na’Vi) | Team Vitality |
| Cloud9 | G2 Esports | NIP | Twisted Minds |
| Edward Gaming | Gaimin Gladiators | ONIC Esports | Virtus.pro |
| EVOS | Gen.G | PowR Gaming | Weibo Gaming |
| Gentle Mates | Heroic | REJECT | Wolves Esports |
| JD Gaming | Karmine Corp | RRQ | Zeta Division |
| Leviathan | LOUD | Seoul Dynasty (SSUL) | |
| T1 | Team BDS | Sentinels | |
| Team Falcons | Team Liquid |
EWC Festival 2026: Immerse Yourself in Gaming Culture & Get Tickets
The Esports World Cup is more than just tournaments; it’s a celebration of gaming culture through the vibrant EWC Festival. This immersive experience runs parallel to the competitions in Riyadh, offering something for everyone, from hardcore fans to casual gamers and families.
Festival Activities & Attractions:
- Live Music Concerts: Featuring local and international artists.
- Retro Gaming Arcades: Relive classic gaming moments.
- Anime Cafés & Pop-Ups: Dive into themed culinary and cultural experiences.
- Cosplay Competitions: Witness incredible craftsmanship and cheer on your favorite characters in the “Cosplayer Experience.”
- Creator Studios: Opportunities for content creators to engage with fans and produce unique content.
- Community Tournaments: Chance for casual players to compete and win prizes.
- Game Developer Showcases: Get a sneak peek at upcoming games and interact with developers.
- Interactive Gaming Zones: Hands-on experiences with the latest gaming hardware and software.
EWC Festival Stars Community Program:
This initiative empowers local talent in Saudi Arabia, offering opportunities for aspiring casters, analysts, cosplayers, game developers, and media platforms to be part of the EWC experience and gain valuable exposure.
Tickets for Esports World Cup 2026:
- How to Buy: All official ticket purchases will be facilitated through the webook.com. Be wary of unofficial resellers.
- Ticket Types: Expect various ticket options, including single-day passes, multi-day packages, and potentially VIP experiences for different zones or specific tournament finals.
- Pricing: Prices will vary depending on the event and package chosen.
Travel & Accommodation in Riyadh:
For international attendees, planning your trip to Riyadh is essential. Consider visa requirements, book your accommodation in advance (Riyadh offers a range of hotels from luxury to budget-friendly), and familiarize yourself with local transportation options.
Betting on Esports World Cup 2026: Odds, Tips & Top Sites (Ft. BetPlay.io)
The Esports World Cup’s massive scale and competitive intensity make it an incredibly exciting event for esports betting. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the scene, understanding the landscape is key.
Types of Bets You Can Place:
- Match Winner (Moneyline): Simply betting on which team will win a specific match.
- Tournament Winner (Outright): Wagering on which team will win the entire championship for a specific game.
- Map Winner/Handicap: Betting on the winner of individual maps within a series or applying a handicap to even the odds.
- First Blood/First Kill (Prop Bet): Betting on the team or player to achieve the first kill in a game.
- Over/Under: Betting on whether a certain statistic (e.g., total rounds, kills, map duration) will be over or under a set number.
- Live Betting: Placing bets as the matches unfold, with odds changing dynamically based on in-game events.
Key Factors for EWC Betting Success:
- Team Form & Recent Performance: Research how teams have performed in recent tournaments and qualifiers leading up to the EWC.
- Head-to-Head Records: Some teams simply have a historical advantage over others.
- Player Matchups: Individual player skill and synergy can heavily influence match outcomes.
- Game Meta: Understand the current game patch and how it favors certain heroes, champions, or strategies.
- Tournament Format: Single-elimination formats can lead to more upsets than double-elimination, where teams have a second chance.
- Prize Pool Motivation: For smaller teams, the sheer size of the EWC prize pool can be a huge motivator.
Top Recommended Betting Site: BetPlay.io
For the best and most comprehensive Esports World Cup betting experience, we highly recommend BetPlay.io. It stands out as a leading platform for esports enthusiasts due to its robust features tailored for the modern bettor.
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Why Choose BetPlay.io for EWC Betting?
- Extensive Esports Coverage: BetPlay.io covers a wide array of esports titles, ensuring you’ll find betting markets for all major EWC games.
- Competitive Odds: Benefit from favorable odds that maximize your potential winnings.
- Live Betting & Streaming: Immerse yourself in the action with real-time betting options and live stream integration for select matches.
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- Generous Welcome Bonuses: New users can take advantage of impressive welcome bonuses and promotions.
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The Vision Behind EWC: Esports World Cup Foundation’s Impact
The Esports World Cup Foundation is the driving force behind this monumental event, with a clear and ambitious mission: to foster a sustainable global esports ecosystem and elevate esports to a new level of mainstream recognition.
Mission & Objectives:
- Global Ecosystem Building: The Foundation is committed to creating infrastructure and initiatives that support all facets of the esports industry, from players and teams to content creators and event organizers.
- Elevating Esports: Through high-profile events like the EWC, the foundation aims to showcase the competitive and entertainment value of esports to a wider global audience, breaking down traditional barriers.
- Investment & Growth: With substantial financial backing, the EWC acts as a catalyst for investment in esports, driving innovation and expanding opportunities across the globe.
- Community Empowerment: Programs like the EWC Festival Stars Community Program are designed to nurture local talent and provide platforms for aspiring professionals within the esports industry.
The Esports World Cup is not just a tournament; it’s a long-term investment in the future of competitive gaming, promising to shape its trajectory for years to come.
Esports World Cup History: Relive the Champions & Key Moments
The Esports World Cup builds upon the legacy of Gamers8, a multi-game festival that successfully ran in Riyadh for several years. The 2024 iteration of the EWC marked its official launch, setting new benchmarks for prize pools and global participation.
Recap of the Inaugural EWC (2024):
- Prize Pool: The 2024 EWC debuted with an astounding $62.5 million prize pool across its various tournaments.
- Club Champion: Team Falcons etched their name in history as the inaugural EWC Club Champion, demonstrating their prowess across multiple titles.
- Notable Game Winners (2024 examples):
- CS2: Natus Vincere (Na’Vi)
- Dota 2: Gaimin Gladiators
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang: AP.Bren
- and many more across 20+ titles.
- Viewership & Attendance: The event garnered significant global viewership and attracted large crowds to the festival grounds, underscoring the immense appetite for top-tier esports.
The transition from Gamers8 to the Esports World Cup signifies an evolution in scope and ambition, transforming a successful festival into a cornerstone annual global championship event designed to be the pinnacle of esports competition.
The future of the Esports World Cup looks incredibly bright, with plans for continued expansion, innovation in tournament formats, and deeper engagement with the global gaming community. Stay tuned for more updates as the EWC continues to redefine the world of competitive gaming!
