The 2026 Esports World Cup prize pool is $75 million across 25 titles, with Trackmania making its debut via a multi-year deal with Ubisoft Nadeo.

The coverage notes ongoing criticisms of Saudi-backed projects as potential “sports washing,” citing Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch concerns about human rights and related governance issues.

The 2025 Road to EWC also featured multiple champions across titles and notable teams like Falcons achieving significant wins.

Of the $75 million prize pool, $39 million will be distributed across 25 tournaments, $30 million allocated to the EWC Club Championship prizes, with remaining funds supporting Club and Player Awards, including MVPs and the Jafonso Award.

The Esports World Cup Foundation launches Road to EWC, a season-long qualification program for Esports World Cup 2026 that unites publisher-led leagues, elite events, and open qualifiers.

Qualifying events feed into a unified Esports World Cup calendar, enabling progression from regional contests to the final in Riyadh, with a central hub offering highlights, interviews, live broadcasts, and on-site coverage.

Partner teams for OWCS China 2026 have been announced.

The program features open online qualifiers and community competitions across 24 game titles, including Call of Duty: Warzone, Dota 2, Teamfight Tactics, and Chess, with more than 230 tournaments planned.

In 2025, Road to EWC produced over 2,500 qualifiers from more than 100 countries and 200 clubs, highlighted by a 15-year-old Free Fire prodigy who became the youngest winner.

Ticketing for EWC 2026 is live via esportsworldcup.com and partner platforms, with special travel packages from Saudia Holidays for early buyers.

Trackmania’s inclusion marks the first arcade racing title at the Esports World Cup, signaling diversification of the event’s title lineup.