The Esports World Cup Foundation has now officially confirmed that the Esports World Cup 2026 is set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, running from July 6 to August 23, 2026. This marks the third edition of the event, and in many ways, it feels like a clear statement of intent. With a record-breaking $75 million prize pool, the tournament once again positions itself as the largest competitive gaming festival anywhere in the world.
Across seven full weeks, more than 2,000 professional players from 200 elite Clubs will compete in 25 separate tournaments. The overarching goal remains the same as previous editions: to crown a true cross-game Club Champion. At the same time, the scale of the rewards means that for many players and organizations, this event could be genuinely career-defining, perhaps even life-changing.
Key Takeaways
- Event Dates: July 6 to August 23, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Total Prize Pool: A record $75 million, with $30 million allocated to the Club Championship
- Game Lineup: 24 titles, including new additions Fortnite and Trackmania
- Club Championship Prize: The top-ranked Club will earn $7 million
- Ticket Sales: Tickets go live on January 22, 2026, via the official website and partners such as Webook
Expanded Prize Distribution and Club Championship
One of the most notable updates for 2026 is the further expansion of rewards for esports organizations. The Club Championship, still the centerpiece of the Esports World Cup format, now carries a $30 million prize pool. That is a $3 million increase compared to last year, which feels significant when you consider how competitive these standings already are.
The format itself remains unchanged. Clubs are encouraged to field teams across multiple titles, earning points based on performance in each tournament. Consistency across games matters here, not just dominance in one title. The Club that finishes at the top of the overall leaderboard will walk away with $7 million, a figure that continues to set this event apart from anything else in the esports calendar.
Beyond the Club Championship, individual game tournaments will collectively distribute more than $39 million in prize money. The remaining portion of the pool is reserved for Player Awards, including Tournament MVPs and the Jafonso Award. This particular award stands out because it celebrates players or Clubs that win a championship after entering through a Last Chance Qualifier. It is a small detail, perhaps, but it reinforces the idea that underdog stories still have a place on the biggest stage.
Full Game Lineup and New Additions
The Esports World Cup 2026 features 24 competitive games, covering a wide range of genres. Shooters, MOBAs, battle royale titles, fighting games, and even strategy-based competitions are all represented. This year also introduces two new additions to the lineup, Fortnite and Trackmania, which broadens the appeal even further.
The complete game list includes:
Shooters: Counter-Strike 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Call of Duty: Warzone, Overwatch 2, Apex Legends, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X, Crossfire
MOBAs and Strategy: League of Legends, Dota 2, Honor of Kings, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Teamfight Tactics
Sports and Racing: EA Sports FC 26, Rocket League, Trackmania
Fighting Games: Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves
Battle Royale: PUBG: Battlegrounds, PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Fortnite
Miscellaneous: Chess
It is an unusually broad lineup, and while not every title will appeal to every fan, the variety almost guarantees that there is something for everyone across the seven-week schedule.
Global Reach and Fan Experience
This announcement follows what was already a very strong 2025 season. Last year’s event attracted around 3 million in-person visitors to Riyadh and reached a global digital audience of roughly 750 million viewers. The League of Legends tournament alone recorded a peak concurrent viewership of 7.98 million, which gives some idea of the scale involved.
For 2026, organizers are planning to run tournaments across multiple arenas throughout Riyadh. This allows for parallel competitions, meaning fans can watch several high-profile matches on the same day. From a spectator perspective, that should make the experience feel more dynamic, though it may also involve some difficult choices about which games to watch live.
Fans in India will be able to purchase tickets starting January 22 through the official international partner Webook. Available options include Weekly Access Passes and Premium Tournament Passes, offering flexibility depending on how much of the seven-week event fans want to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When and where is the Esports World Cup 2026 taking place?
A1: The event is held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, starting on July 6, 2026, and ending on August 23, 2026.
Q2: How can I buy tickets for the event in India?
A2: Indian fans can purchase tickets beginning January 22, 2026, through the official website or via the international ticketing partner Webook.
Q3: Which new games were added to the 2026 lineup?
A3: Fortnite and Trackmania are the two major new additions for the 2026 season.
Q4: What is the EWC Club Championship?
A4: It is a cross-game competition where esports organizations earn points based on their performance across multiple titles. The Club with the highest total at the end of the event wins the Club Championship.
Q5: What is the total prize money for the 2026 edition?
A5: The total prize pool is $75 million, divided between the Club Championship at $30 million, individual game tournaments at over $39 million, and various player and qualifier awards.
