The Esports World Cup 2026 (EWC 2026) is scheduled to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 6 to August 23. As one of the most significant events in the competitive gaming landscape, the EWC continues to attract elite participants from across the globe and spans a wide variety of genres. With the ongoing support and strategic investment of the Esports World Cup Foundation, each edition of the event aims to exceed the previous in terms of both scale and audience engagement.
Summary
Esports World Cup 2026 : Building on Record-Breaking Success
The 2025 iteration set notable benchmarks—over 2,000 competitors and 200 clubs representing 100 countries participated in 25 tournaments across 24 distinct titles. The event’s digital presence was equally impressive, with 750 million viewers and 350 million hours watched. The prize pool reached $70 million, and three million attendees were present, solidifying Riyadh’s prominence as a central hub for esports.
Esports World Cup 2026 : Confirmed Esports World Cup 2026 Line-Up
For the 2026 event, organizers have confirmed 20 of the 24 competitive titles, with the final selections pending announcement. The confirmed roster includes a broad spectrum of genres.
- Apex Legends
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Chess
- Counter-Strike 2
- 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
- Overwatch 2
- PUBG: Battlegrounds
- PUBG Mobile
- Rainbow Six Siege X
- Street Fighter 6
- Teamfight Tactics
- VALORANT
Chess, notably, returns for a second year, bolstered by Magnus Carlsen’s partnership with Chess.com, which will feature online qualifiers. The inclusion of titles such as TEKKEN 8 and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves demonstrates a commitment to genre diversity and competitive depth.
What’s Missing and What’s New
Notably absent from the current announcement is Rennsport, a sim-racing title featured in previous years. Organizers have suggested that the remaining four titles may introduce new games to the tournament, following the precedent set in 2025 when new additions such as VALORANT and Chess were revealed closer to the event date. This approach continues to generate considerable anticipation and speculation within the global esports community.
What to Expect in Riyadh 2026
-Pictures sourced from internet-
The 2026 edition will again transform Riyadh into a focal point for esports and digital culture, with competitive arenas, fan engagement zones, and cultural showcases supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. The EWC Club Championship will introduce additional inter-team rivalries, as top organizations compete across multiple titles. Enhanced broadcast production, expanded global streaming options, and immersive live experiences are expected to further elevate the event’s profile. The seven-week schedule promises a comprehensive and dynamic celebration of esports.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2026 EWC is poised to build on its legacy as a leading global esports event. With 24 titles, broad international participation, and a focus on audience engagement, the EWC continues to push the boundaries of competitive gaming. As anticipation grows, players, fans, and organizations prepare for a pivotal summer that will further define the evolving landscape of esports.
Esports World Cup 2026 — FAQ
Your ultimate guide to the world’s biggest competitive gaming festival in Riyadh.
