'Road to EWC' - Ticket to ESPORTS WORLD CUP 2026: Over 230 Qualifiers Worldwide to CROWN GAMING'S ULTIMATE CHAMPIONS

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially kicked off Road to EWC, the global qualification season leading up to Esports World Cup 2026, set to take place in summer 2026.
Across major regions worldwide, more than 230 tournaments will be held, open to players of all skill levels.
By unifying official leagues and international competitions into a single season, the Road to EWC will culminate in the grand finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, beginning on Monday, July 6, 2026.

“Road to EWC” qualifiers kick off worldwide, all leading to Riyadh

EWCF has launched Road to EWC, a global qualification program for EWC 2026, which will be held in Riyadh starting July 6, 2026.
The initiative brings together publisher-led leagues, top-tier international tournaments, and various esports qualifiers into one unified competitive season.
By connecting previously standalone events into a single ecosystem, players gain more opportunities to showcase their skills, while fans can more easily follow the journey toward the ultimate championship throughout the year.

EWC Official X

The qualification roadmap features a wide range of globally popular titles.
Major games such as VALORANT, Street Fighter, Apex Legends, League of Legends, and Fatal Fury are all included.
Players who battle their way through fierce regional competitions will earn a coveted spot at the world’s biggest stage—the EWC main event.

The Road to EWC also opens the door to aspiring competitors beyond the professional scene.
Online open qualifiers and community tournaments are planned for the following titles:

• Call of Duty: Warzone
• Dota 2
• Teamfight Tactics
• Chess

These open-entry events give anyone a chance to challenge the world’s best and aim for the top.

Ticket sales now open

Spectator tickets for the main event are already on sale and can be purchased via the official Esports World Cup website or through authorized regional partners.
In addition, Saudia Holidays is offering exclusive travel packages for early ticket buyers.

Last season saw more than 2,500 players from over 100 countries compete, producing countless memorable moments—including the rise of a 15-year-old champion.
EWC 2026 promises even more drama, as the world’s elite players clash for the largest prize pool in esports history.
Now is the perfect time to keep an eye on how your favorite teams carve their path to Riyadh.

For full details on qualifier schedules, locations, and where to watch, visit the official Esports World Cup website or follow EWC on X (@EWC_EN).

Comment from EWCF Chief Product Officer Faisal Bin Homran

Road to EWC unifies the many tournaments that shape esports as a competitive discipline.
By clearly defining the qualification season, the entire industry can plan with greater confidence.
Players can focus on performance, teams can invest resources earlier, publishers can ensure ecosystem consistency, and fans gain clarity on when and where the ultimate showdown will take place.
By building the program’s track record together, we can grow esports in a sustainable, inclusive, and truly global way.