Esports World Cup 2026 to feature $75m prize pool

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced that the 2026 Esports World Cup (EWC) will feature a total prize pool of $75m (~£55.6m).

Taking place from July 6th to August 23rd, the multi-title esports event’s prize pool represents an increase of $5m (~£3.7m) compared to the 2025 edition.

The prize pool includes $30m (~£22.2m) on offer as part of the Esports World Cup Club Championship. The winning Club will receive $7m (~£5.1m) in prize money, with increased prize money allocations distributed across the remaining finishing positions.

Alongside the prize money for individiual tournaments and the Club Championship, the remaining funds will be distributed through a mix of Club and player awards.

These include MVP accolades for each tournament and the Jafonso Award, which will be given to teams or players that win a tournament after advancing from a last-chance qualifier or through qualifiers.

“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, in the press release. “EWC is different because of the Club Championship. One title crowns a champion, EWC crowns the ultimate cross-game Club Champion.”

An increased prize pool follows the success of 2025 Esports World Cup. The EWCF revealed last year’s event ‘reached 750 million viewers worldwide and generated 350 million hours watched.’

In addition to the increased prize pool, the EWCF will continue to operate a variety of initiatives supporting several esports ecosystems around the world. For 2026, the Road to EWC qualification programme returns in collaboration with partnered publishers and grassroots events, offering players with a pathway to earn qualification for the main event.