The organizers of the Esports World Cup have revealed full details for the Counter-Strike 2 tournament in 2026 — marking the largest expansion in the event’s history.The Saudi esports festival will more than double in both scale and duration, transforming into a true global CS2 championship.
$2,000,000 Prize Pool — a $750,000 Increase
Unlike previous editions, the 2026 event will feature a record $2 million prize pool, representing a $750,000 increase over 2025.
This makes EWC one of the most lucrative Counter-Strike events of the year, on par with Valve Majors and ESL Pro League.
11 Days of CS2 — August 10 to 23
The tournament format has also undergone major changes. EWC 2026 will run for 11 days, featuring a five-day group stage and six days of playoffs, extending the duration by six days compared to the previous year. For the first time, EWC will adopt a structure closer to a full-scale world championship rather than a festival showcase.
New Structure: 32 Teams, Double Elimination in Groups
The biggest change comes in the form of an expanded 32-team field. Players will now compete in four groups of eight, following a Double Elimination format, allowing each team a second chance after a loss. The top 16 teams will advance to the playoffs, where all matches will be played in a Best-of-3 format, with the grand final held as a Best-of-5.
This marks a dramatic shift from previous years, where only 16 teams participated in a short single-elimination bracket. The new structure elevates EWC into a multi-day tournament worthy of the world’s best CS2 teams.
The best Counter-Strike 2 players will be back in Riyadh next year! 🔥
Learn all about CS2 at EWC26 on our website 👇 https://t.co/0VEmJEw6zA pic.twitter.com/QXdww8HAtO
— Esports World Cup (@EWC_EN) October 10, 2025
Invites and Qualification — Determined by Valve Regional Standings
Of the 32 available slots for EWC 2026:
- 28 teams will be invited based on the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) as of June 2026;
- 21 spots will go to the top-ranked teams in the global leaderboard;
- Two slots each will be allocated to North America, South America, and Asia;
- The final slot will be reserved for the champion of the Asian Champions League 2026.
This new distribution ensures wider regional representation and gives rising teams from Asia and the Americas a genuine chance to compete on the biggest stage of the year.
LAN BYOC in Riyadh: A Chance for Everyone
Before the main event, from August 7 to 9, Riyadh will host a LAN BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer) qualifier, open to up to 128 teams. This traditional “bring-your-own-PC” format will allow any local or amateur team to test their skills against professionals and fight for four spots at the main tournament. It will mark the first time EWC integrates an open LAN qualifier directly into its festival program — a move designed to promote local talent and give Middle Eastern teams a pathway to the global stage.
80 Hours of Counter-Strike 2 — 42 More Than Last Year
According to organizers, fans can expect over 80 hours of live Counter-Strike 2 matches, 42 hours more than in 2025. This expansion ensures that EWC 2026 will not only be the biggest edition yet but also one of the most content-packed and entertaining esports events of the year — with nonstop matches, analysis, and highlights.
EWC as a Strategic Platform for Saudi Esports Development
Hosting Esports World Cup 2026 in Riyadh is another key step in Saudi Arabia’s long-term vision to establish its capital as the global hub of esports. Following successful editions in 2024 and 2025, the 2026 event is set to evolve into a true world championship of Counter-Strike 2, combining elite-level competition with open access for emerging talent.
Conclusion
Esports World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be a cornerstone event in the CS2 calendar — with a massive prize pool, a record number of participants, and an innovative format that bridges professionals and newcomers alike. For Counter-Strike fans, it means two weeks of nonstop action, new faces on the stage, and a clear look at how EWC’s expansion will reshape the global CS2 ecosystem.
