Esports World Cup launches qualification program

The Esports World Cup Foundation launched the global "Road to EWC" qualification program for the Esports World Cup 2026 on Wednesday.

More than 230 qualification tournaments -- spanning all major regions and competition levels -- will join one unified, global calendar that links publisher-led leagues, elite international tournaments and open qualifiers.

"Road to EWC brings together the journeys that shape competitive esports," said Faisal Bin Homran, EWCF chief product officer. "By creating a defined qualification season, it gives the whole industry the confidence to plan; players can focus on performance, clubs can commit resources earlier, publishers can align their ecosystems and fans know when and where the biggest moments will happen. If we keep building together, we will grow the sport in a way that is sustainable, inclusive and truly global."

The Esports World Cup 2026 is scheduled for July 6 to Aug. 3 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Road to EWC incorporates events and ecosystems such as League of Legends, VALORANT, Call of Duty, Fortnite, Apex Legends, PUBG, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Rocket League, Tekken, Street Fighter, Trackmania and Chess.

In 2025, more than 2,500 players qualified through the Road to EWC, representing over 100 countries and more than 200 clubs.

--Field Level Media