The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced a record-shattering $75 million prize pool for the Esports World Cup 2026, a move that solidifies Saudi Arabia’s strategic ambition to position Riyadh as the undisputed global capital for competitive gaming.
The seven-week mega-tournament is scheduled to run from July 6 to August 23 in Riyadh, featuring 25 distinct tournaments across 24 of the world’s top gaming titles. The event is projected to attract over 2,000 elite players and 200 professional clubs from more than 100 countries, making it one of the largest and most ambitious esports gatherings in history.
A Breakdown of the Record-Breaking Prize Pool
A central component of the tournament’s structure is the Club Championship, which will see its prize pool increase to $30 million in 2026. The ultimate winning club will be awarded a grand prize of $7 million, with substantial payouts distributed across the top 24 finishing teams.
Beyond the Club Championship, more than $39 million is allocated for individual game tournaments. Additional funds are designated for special Club and Player Awards, including MVP honors for each tournament and the unique Jafonso Award for players who successfully advance from the Last Chance Qualifiers.
The Road to Riyadh
To further integrate the global esports ecosystem, prize money will also be connected to a series of qualifying events hosted by partner publishers and event organizers. This global competitive circuit, branded as the “Road to Riyadh,” will create a year-round narrative leading up to the main event in the Saudi capital.
The 2026 lineup will feature 24 competitive titles, prominently including major mobile esports games such as Free Fire, Honor of Kings, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and PUBG Mobile, reflecting the region’s strong mobile gaming market.
A New Model for Esports Sustainability
The event’s structure emphasizes a unique cross-game championship format, a departure from traditional single-title tournaments. This model aims to reward clubs for their broad investment in multiple esports titles.
“The life-changing prize pool exists to support the people at the heart of esports: the players and the Clubs that invest in them year after year,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “EWC is different because of the Club Championship. One title crowns a champion. EWC crowns the ultimate cross-game Club Champion.”
About the Esports World Cup Foundation
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the growth and sustainability of the global competitive gaming and esports industry. The EWCF is focused on creating a more sustainable future for players, clubs, and fans by building a global ecosystem and offering life-changing prize pools that support esports as a viable career path.
Source: MEA Tech Watch
