Road to EWC: January 2026

The first weeks of 2026 balanced the familiar with the unexpected. Established stars reaffirmed their place at the top, while emerging contenders seized their moment on the global stage. Whether through precision play in London, survival under pressure in Sapporo, or milestone victories in Southeast Asia, January illustrated the evolving depth of the esports ecosystem and the momentum already building toward EWC 2026.

The FC Pro 26 Open provided one of the year’s earliest statements. Held in London, the event brought together 24 of the world’s top EA Sports FC competitors, serving as a proving ground for players aiming to shape the season ahead. Team Falcons’ Anders Vejrgang stood above the field, delivering a composed and dominant run to claim the Open title and position himself as a central figure on the Road to EWC.

The Apex Legends Global Series 2026 Championship concluded with an unforgettable result, as Oblivion, competing without a signed club, captured the title against the world’s best. Across a grueling championship weekend, Oblivion navigated shifting lobbies and relentless pressure to emerge on top. Their victory underscored a defining truth of the Road to EWC: opportunity remains open, and breakthrough performances can arrive from anywhere.

January also crowned a world champion in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Aurora Gaming PH lifted the M7 World Championship trophy after a commanding performance that highlighted discipline across the tournament. The victory further cemented Southeast Asia’s influence on the global ML:BB scene and added another champion to the growing list of teams positioning themselves for glory in Riyadh.

Notable Roster Changes

Gen.G made waves in January with its return to Fortnite competition, unveiling a new roster headlined by Maguire "Ritual" Morton and Aidan "Ajerss" Bernero. The signing marked a renewed investment in the title from one of esports’ most established clubs, adding further intrigue to an already stacked competitive field.

Champions of CS2 at EWC 25, The MongolZ reinforced their Mobile Legends: Bang Bang program with a refreshed roster in January. The move highlighted the club’s ongoing commitment to ML:BB.

Trackmania Joins EWC 2026

Beyond competition, January delivered major news for the year ahead. Trackmania was officially announced as part of the EWC 2026 lineup, bringing its high-speed precision racing to the global stage. The announcement expanded the Road to EWC’s competitive scope and signaled new opportunities for Trackmania’s elite drivers to compete under the EWC banner.

Team Falcons established their Trackmania presence in January with the signing of Carl-Antoni 'CarlJr' Cloutier, one of the most accomplished and consistent drivers in the history of the game. The move immediately positioned Falcons as a serious contender ahead of Trackmania’s debut at EWC 26.

Road to EWC

Rounding out the month, the full EWC 2026 game schedule and prize pool details were revealed, offering clarity on what lies ahead and raising the stakes across every title. With formats, dates, and rewards now defined, January closed with a clear message: the Road to EWC is no longer theoretical. It is active, global, and already fiercely contested.

As 2026 continues, January’s results stand as the first chapter in a year that promises new rivalries, breakthrough moments, and a constantly shifting competitive landscape on the Road to EWC.