Esports World Cup 2026: Riyadh prepares for the biggest gaming event in history
21 October 2025
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially confirmed the return of 20 titles for the Esports World Cup 2026 (EWC 2026), set to take place from July 6 to August 23, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The competition will feature 24 games in total, with four titles yet to be announced — promising one of the most ambitious multi-game esports events ever organized.
A new global landmark for competitive gaming
Launched in 2024 as the successor to Gamers8, the Esports World Cup quickly became the centerpiece of the global esports calendar. With massive infrastructure investments and government support, Riyadh has evolved into a hub for international gaming and digital entertainment.
The upcoming 2026 edition aims to surpass previous records:
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24 titles across all major genres, from MOBAs to shooters, strategy, and fighting games.
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Thousands of players and clubs competing for record-breaking prize pools.
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Broadcasts in over 140 countries, continuing the event’s tradition of worldwide reach and fan engagement.
The EWC isn’t just about individual titles — its Club Championship format rewards consistency and multi-game excellence, creating an Olympic-style league for professional esports organizations.
The confirmed games for 2026
The first 20 official titles include a mix of iconic franchises and mobile powerhouses:
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Apex Legends
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Call of Duty: Warzone
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Crossfire
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EA Sports FC 26
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FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves
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Free Fire
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Honor of Kings
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Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
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PUBG Mobile
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Teamfight Tactics
Four more games are still under wraps. Community speculation points toward Fortnite, Rocket League, or even a new racing simulation title, given the surprising absence of Rennsport, which previously headlined the R1 LAN competition at the EWC.
Global partnerships and long-term investment
The Esports World Cup 2026 brings together an unprecedented lineup of industry partners: Activision Blizzard, Capcom, Electronic Arts, Garena, Krafton, Moonton, Riot Games, SNK, Smilegate, Tencent, Ubisoft, and Valve. These publishers have signed multi-year agreements with the EWCF to ensure stability and growth across competitive scenes.
This multi-genre collaboration cements the event as the largest and most diverse esports competition ever staged, with combined rankings determining the ultimate Club Champion — a concept that adds depth and strategy to traditional tournament play.
Building on the legacy of EWC 2025
The 2025 edition set a high bar: 26 tournaments across 25 titles, a record $70 million prize pool, and 871 matches played in six venues throughout Riyadh. Over 2,000 players from 100 nations took part, while 3 million fans attended in person and 750 million viewers tuned in online.
Saudi team Falcons Esports captured the Club Championship with 5,200 points, ahead of Team Liquid and Team Vitality, earning $7 million in prize money. Notably, Dota 2 featured the largest single-game pool at $3 million, while League of Legends and Rocket League both saw prize increases.
A diverse, global showcase
EWC 2026 continues to blur the lines between traditional and digital competition. The inclusion of chess, for instance, reflects a growing cultural crossover, while mobile titles like Free Fire and PUBG Mobile demonstrate the dominance of handheld esports in Asia and beyond.
By merging the best of PC, console, and mobile gaming into a single global championship, the EWC underscores a simple truth: esports is no longer niche — it’s mainstream entertainment.
Final thoughts
With its expanded game lineup, global partnerships, and monumental scale, Esports World Cup 2026 is poised to redefine what an international esports competition can be. Riyadh’s growing influence on the world stage — and its commitment to building a sustainable digital entertainment ecosystem — makes this edition one of the most anticipated in competitive gaming history.
The countdown has begun. From Apex Legends to VALORANT, from League of Legends to Street Fighter 6, the world’s best players are gearing up for a summer where skill, strategy, and spectacle collide.