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2026
Aug 11 - Aug 15, 2026
Chess is coming to the Esports World Cup 2026 after debuting at EWC 2025, where Magnus Carlsen, competing under Team Liquid, claimed the inaugural title. His victory helped establish chess as a natural fit on the EWC stage, blending classical mastery with modern esports competition.
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Road to EWC 2026 - Qualifiers
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About
Chess grand masters earn their title for life after years of dedication to the game, outplaying opponents by thinking multiple steps ahead and adapting strategies as matches unfold. What began as a traditional contest of intellect has evolved into a certified esport, with the competitive scene gaining global momentum in 2020 and bringing high stakes, emotion, and drama to audiences around the world.
Each match begins on equal footing, with both players controlling identical pieces, each defined by its own movement and unified by a single objective: protect the King. Turn by turn, players maneuver to corner their opponent’s King while anticipating every possible counter, creating a tense contest of precision and foresight. Chess at EWC 25 led to the pairing of the world’s best grandmasters with premier esports organizations, setting the stage for unmatched intensity and rivalry.
News
2026
Road to EWC: March 2026
March pushed the Road to EWC forward, delivering decisive results across multiple esports titles and confirming key qualifiers for the season ahead. Nongshim RedForce dominated VCT Masters Santiago in VALORANT, T1’s Tseng “ZJZ” Chia-chen and Tsunehiro “Gachikun” Kanamori claimed top honors in FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves and Street Fighter 6 at DreamHack Birmingham, and Trackmania and Call of Duty: Warzone qualifiers gave clubs and players a place to Riyadh.
2026
The Esports Foundation Club Partner Program 2026 is Here
40 of the world’s leading esports clubs are joining the program as partners for the 2026 season. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the esports landscape as clubs continue their qualification journey.
2026
ROAD to EWC: DreamHack Birmingham recap
T1's Tseng "ZJZ" Chia-chen conquered the FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves field and Tsunehiro "gachikun" Kanamori emerged victorious within the Street Fighter 6 competition at DreamHack Birmingham alongside intense Road to EWC qualifiers. Team Vitality's Thomas "Pac" Cole, along with eight other competitors, qualified for Trackmania at EWC 26 while Team Falcons and three other teams qualified for COD: Warzone at EWC 26.
2026
EWC 2026: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
The race for the ultimate crown in esports is heating up. As we look toward the summer of 2026, the Esports World Cup Club Championship is returning with even higher stakes, more refined rules, and a prize pool that redefines what it means to be the world’s best multi-title organization.
