Esports World Cup 2026 groups announced

Full list of participants for the upcoming Esports World Cup 2026, which kicks off in just a few days, has been determined. 32 teams (including 28 invitees and four winners of the open LAN qualifier) ​​have been divided into four groups based on Valve's ranking.

The tournament's group stage begins on August 12 and runs until August 16. It will play out in a Double Elimination format, with the opening matches being best-of-one, followed by best-of-three matches. The top four squads from each group will advance to the Single Elimination playoffs, which will take place from August 19 to 23 and culminate in the grand final at the Accor Arena.

Esports World Cup 2026 will be held from August 12 to 23, 2026, in Paris, France. The event's total prize pool will amount to $2 million, divided among 32 rosters.