RIYADH: The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today announced a total prize pool of $75 million (approx. Rs 626.5 crore) alongside the full game lineup and schedule for the Esports World Cup 2026 (EWC), the world’s largest esports event, set to return to Riyadh, according to a release.
Saudi Arabia, from July 6 through August 23. More than 2,000 players and 200 Clubs from over 100 countries will compete in 25 tournaments across 24 games over seven weeks to crown the next Esports World Cup Club Champion.
The record-breaking prize pool reflects the evolution of the EWC as a premier sporting event and the anchor multi-title competition within the global esports ecosystem.
Delivered at scale for a third year through an established, cross-game format, the EWC brings together the world’s best players, Clubs, games and a global community of fans through a shared calendar that sets the rhythm of the global esports season.
“The life-changing prize pool exists to support the people at the heart of esports: the players and the Clubs that invest in them year after year,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “EWC is different because of the Club Championship. One title crowns a champion. EWC crowns the ultimate cross-game Club Champion.”
In 2026, the EWC Club Championship, the EWC’s flagship cross-game competition, will award $30 million (approx Rs 274 crore) to the top 24 Clubs, an increase of $3 million year-on-year.
The winning Club will receive $7 million (approx Rs 64 crore), with increased prize allocations distributed across the remaining top finishing positions. Last year’s Club Championship title was decided in the final week of competition, with seven Clubs remaining in contention entering the closing stages.
Individual Game Championships will each carry their own prize pools, with combined allocations exceeding $39 million (approx Rs 357 crore).
