The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 has officially begun in Paris, launching seven weeks of global esports competition featuring the world’s leading gaming clubs and professional players. The tournament is being held at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles and will continue through August 23.
This year’s edition features 25 tournaments across 24 of the world’s most popular games, alongside a wide range of fan experiences, entertainment programmes and interactive activities designed to bring together gaming communities from around the world.
More than 2,000 professional players representing over 200 esports clubs from 100 countries are competing for a record-breaking $75 million prize pool, making EWC 2026 the largest annual esports event globally and highlighting the continued expansion and international influence of competitive gaming.
The tournament features a diverse selection of gaming categories, including first-person shooters (FPS), multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) titles, strategy games, battle royale competitions, fighting games, racing games, sports games, Teamfight Tactics (TFT) and chess.
Beyond the competitions, the Esports World Cup continues to evolve as a major global entertainment platform, combining elite esports tournaments with immersive experiences for fans and audiences. The event brings together top clubs and players on a single stage, competing for the prestigious title of EWC Club Champion.
The 2026 edition reflects the rapid growth of the esports industry and its transformation into a major global entertainment sector. By attracting international talent, massive audiences and record investment, the Esports World Cup continues to establish new benchmarks for competitive gaming worldwide.
