The Esports World Cup 2026 is heading to Paris, France. Unlike in 2025 and 2024, however, the event will not be held in Saudi Arabia due to the ongoing issues in the region. The event will run from July 6th to August 23rd, spanning seven weeks across 24 titles. The event is planned to be bigger than ever, with League of Legends set to once again feature as a key part of that.
For LoL, EWC is back as one of the biggest events in the LoL calendar. This year, LoL is getting an upgrade, moving to 16 teams from the previous 12. The event will also be a lot less hectic, as the gap between the final qualified teams and the EWC is much larger. Previously, a few teams qualified just days before. It’s also likely that the event being in Paris will make it easier for a number of sides.
Quick Info:
- Location: Paris, France
- Dates July 6th to August 23rd (LoL July 15th – 19th)
- Teams: 16
- Prize Pool: $2m
- Defending Champions: Gen.G
EMEA
- G2 Esports – Confirmed
- Karmine Corp – Confirmed
- LEC Spring champion/Movistar KOI – TBD
EMEA is one of the first regions to wrap up, with two sides already confirmed via the region’s local qualifier event. The final spot is still up for grabs and will conclude with the end of the LEC Spring Split. The interesting narrative here is that if G2 or Karmine Corp win the Playoffs, then Movistar KOI will take the final EWC place.
LCK
- Gen.G – Direct Invite
- Road to MSI winner – TBD
- Korea Qualifier (May 25-26) – TBD
- Korea Qualifier (May 25-26) – TBD
As defending champions, Gen.G received a direct invite and doesn’t need to bother with qualifiers. The Road to MSI champion claims a second spot automatically. The remaining two come out of the Korea Qualifier on May 25 and 26. The teams in contention are HLE, NS, DK, and T1, with at least one of DK or T1 guaranteed to go through.
LPL
- Anyone’s Legel (AGL) – Confirmed
- JD Gaming – TBD
- LPL Split 2 Champion – TBD
Anyone’s Legend (AGL) topped the China Qualifier upper bracket, beating JD Gaming in the process. JDG took the second spot via the LPL qualifying event. The final spot will go to the LPL Split 2 Champion, which won’t conclude till the 14th of June. A similar scenario to the EMEA could happen if AG.AL or JD Gaming win the LPL Split.
North America
- Sentinels – Confirmed
- LCS Spring Champion (June 14) – TBD
Sentinels are already in, after a surprise win at the NA qualifying event. The second NA slot goes to whoever wins the LCS Spring Split, which crowns its champion on June 14.
Asia-Pacific
- Team Secret – Confirmed
- LCP Split 2 Champion (June 7) – TBD
Team Secret Whales won the APAC Qualifier, beating Vietnamese rivals GAM Esports to seal their place. They’ll compete as Team Secret at EWC due to the rulebook requirements for EWC Club Championship points eligibility. The second APAC slot is decided after LCP Split 2 concludes on June 7.
South America
- CBLOL Split 2 Champion (June 6) – TBD
- SAM Qualifier Winner (June 14) – TBD
South America’s two slots are the last to be determined. The CBLOL Split 2 champion is crowned on June 6, followed by the South American Qualifier, with the second spot decided on June 14.
Tournament Format
EWC 2026 runs a two-stage format across 16 teams.
- Group Stage – 4 Groups – Double Eliminations, Best-of-One, with Elimination games played on Best-of-Three. Top two per group advance.
- Playoffs – Single Elimination – All matches are Best-of-Three, Grand Final moves to Best-of-Five. Winner secures spot at EWC 2027.