Counter-Strike 2 Returns to the Esports World Cup in 2027 and 2028!

First up: EWC 2027. Thirty-two of the world’s best teams will battle for a $2 million prize pool and an expanded in-person Open Qualifier in Riyadh.

Which Club will keep its key intact and unlock the EWC 2027 trophy? Find all the 2027 tournament details below.

Tournament Dates:

• Arrival Date: July 18th, 2027
• Media Day: July 19th, 2027
• Tournament Dates: July 20th - August 1st, 2027
• Departure Date: August 1st - 2nd, 2027
• Event Location: Esports Boulevard Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Tournament Environment:

• All Stages of the tournament, including the Open Qualifier in Riyadh, will be played in-person on LAN.

VRS Publications for Invites

• Invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of May 2027.
• Tournament seeding will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of July 2027.
• Invite exceptions will apply if a player is banned.

Main Event Slots

• 20 Global VRS invites
• Two North American VRS invites
• Two South American VRS invites
• Two Asian VRS invites
• Two wildcard invites
• Four teams from the Riyadh Open Qualifier

Tournament Format

Stage 1

• Four groups of eight teams
• Double elimination groups
• Four teams from each group advance

Stage 2

• 16 teams on LAN in the playoffs
• Bo3 matches until the Grand Final
• Bo5 Grand Final

$2 Million Prize Pool

• 1st: $700,000
• 2nd: $300,000
• 3rd: $150,000
• 4th: $90,000
• 5th-8th: $60,000
• 9th-16th: $35,000
• 17th-23th: $20,000
• 24th-32nd: $10,000

Open Qualifier in Riyadh

• Dates: July 16–18, 2027
• Location: Esports Boulevard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Format: In-person, non-BYOC LAN qualifier
• Max Participation: 128 teams
• Participation Fee: $100 USD
• Participation rules: First come, first served
• Main Event Slots: Four
• Prize Pool: $100,000

Open Qualifier Prizing

• 1st–4th: Qualification to the Main Event
• 5th–8th: $9,500
• 9th–16th: $7,750

More information about registration will be announced soon.

Counter-Strike 2 Is Also Locked In for EWC 2028

The competition will continue in 2028, with Counter-Strike 2 tentatively scheduled to take place from July 14–30.

The next chapter is coming. Who will claim the key?