The Esports World Cup Foundation has raised the stakes for competitive gaming by announcing a $75 million prize pool for the 2026 Esports World Cup. The event will run in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 6 to August 23, setting a new benchmark for global esports competitions.
This prize pool, valued at over 20 billion Pakistani rupees, places the Esports World Cup among the richest events in sports. It also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s growing push to position itself as a major hub for esports and digital entertainment.
More than 2,000 professional players are expected to take part in the tournament. They will represent 200 clubs from over 100 countries. Over seven weeks, these players will compete across 25 tournaments covering 24 different games.
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said the prize money is designed to support the core of esports. He emphasized that players and clubs remain the foundation of the industry. According to him, these organizations invest year after year and deserve meaningful rewards.
Reichert also highlighted what sets the event apart from other tournaments. He explained that most esports events crown winners in individual games. The Esports World Cup, however, focuses on a broader challenge. The Club Championship rewards performance across multiple titles, creating one overall champion.
The EWC Club Championship remains the centerpiece of the event, distributing $30 million among the top 24 clubs, with the winning club taking $7 million. Last year’s championship was decided in the final week, with seven clubs vying for the title.
Individual game championships will share over $39 million in prize money. Additional awards will honor standout players, including MVP honors for every tournament and the Jafonso Award for players advancing through Last Chance Qualifiers.
The 2026 lineup includes 24 competitive titles, adding Fortnite and Trackmania to returning favorites such as League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, VALORANT, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, EA Sports FC 26, PUBG, PUBG Mobile, and Street Fighter 6. Matches will run simultaneously across multiple arenas, ensuring continuous action throughout the seven-week event.
Tickets go on sale January 22 through “esportsworldcup.com” and international partners. Early bird passes, premium tournament passes, and hospitality packages will be available. The 2025 edition drew 750 million viewers worldwide, generating 350 million hours watched, with peak viewership hitting 7.98 million during League of Legends.