Esports World Cup 2026 to increase prize pool and number of participants

Esports World Cup organizers have announced details of the 2026 event. The number of participants will double (from 16 to 32 teams), wipe the prize pool will grow by $750,000 to reach $2 million.

Accordingly, the competition format will change. It will begin with a group stage (Double Elimination, four groups of eight squads) and conclude with a playoff stage (Double Elimination, 16 teams).

Furthermore, from August 7 to 9, the organizers will hold a LAN qualifier in Riyadh. Based on the results, four rosters will secure spots in the main stage of Esports World Cup 2026, which will take place from August 10 to 23.

Notably, Esports World Cup 2025 for CS2 took place from August 20th to 24th in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The event's prize pool was $1.25 million. In the final, The MongolZ defeated Aurora with a 3-0 scoreline. Sodbayar "Techno" Munkhbold was chosen the most valuable player of the competition.

Origin: x.com