By Sagar V. Mankar 
The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 has already been announced, even though 2025 hasn’t started yet. On December 30, 2024, the official EWC Twitter account revealed that the tournament will run from August 10 to August 23, 2026. The early announcement aims to provide teams with ample time to prepare and plan their competitive season effectively.
CS2 Tournament: New Format and Dates
One of the key highlights of the announcement was the extension of the tournament’s duration from five days to thirteen. These additional days will cover team travel, media engagements, and the main event itself. However, this scheduling raises a challenge, as the dates overlap with the previously announced PGL August event, set for August 6 to August 16. This scheduling conflict means that teams will have to choose between the two tournaments unless adjustments are made or early eliminations allow participation in both.
Given the significance of both tournaments, it is expected that the organizers will work towards resolving the scheduling conflict. If successful, fans can look forward to seeing top-tier teams deliver outstanding performances at both events.
Return to Riyadh and Tournament Changes
The 2026 EWC CS2 tournament will once again take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking its third consecutive year in the city. The announcement aligns with Valve’s rules requiring all Tier 1 tournaments for 2026 to be announced before January 1, 2025. This ensures better planning and transparency across the competitive scene.
Although the exact format details have not been fully disclosed, the extended duration hints at potential changes. Historically, teams have been eliminated after a single Best-of-3 (Bo3) and a single Best-of-1 (Bo1) match. If the format is revised, it could result in a fairer and more competitive experience for participating teams.
Prize Pool and Competition
The 2026 Esports World Cup will feature an impressive $1,250,000 prize pool, distributed as follows:
- 1st Place: $500,000
- 2nd Place: $230,000
- 3rd-4th Place: $100,000 each
- 5th-8th Place: $40,000 each
- 9th-16th Place: $20,000 each
This significant prize pool ensures fierce competition and attracts global attention, with millions of fans expected to tune in.
Key Takeaways from 2024 and Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the 2024 EWC CS2 tournament, Natus Vincere (NAVI) emerged victorious, continuing their exceptional performance after their Copenhagen Major wins earlier in the year. NAVI defeated FaZe Clan, MOUZ, and G2 Esports in a thrilling series of matches to secure the trophy.
Despite G2 Esports falling short in the Grand Final, Nikola “NiKo” Kovač was named the tournament’s MVP for his consistent and impactful gameplay throughout the event.
Sources: Esports World Cup Official Announcement, Valve VRS Guidelines.