The group stage is complete, and only eight teams remain. VALORANT at EWC 26 now shifts to the single-elimination playoffs at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, where every match is win-or-go-home in the race for the biggest share of the $2 million prize pool.
A lot has changed since Team Heretics won the inaugural VALORANT title at EWC 25. The competitive landscape has shifted, new contenders have emerged, and the roster has seen one change since its championship run in Riyadh. Even so, Heretics has looked every bit like a title contender, finishing 2-0 in Group D with victories over AG.AL and MIBR.LOS. Now back in the playoff bracket, the defending champions are three wins away from another Esports World Cup title.
Team Vitality has never reached the VALORANT playoffs at the Esports World Cup, but this year's roster has quickly established itself as a contender. After a significant overhaul ahead of the 2026 season, the French club topped its group with a 2-0 record, defeating Karmine Corp and NRG. Now, with the playoffs taking place on home soil in Paris, Vitality has a chance to make its deepest run at the tournament yet.
100 Thieves has taken a big step forward from last year's Esports World Cup. After an early exit at EWC 25, the American club entered 2026 with a revamped roster that has delivered immediate results. Fresh off Independence Day celebrations back home, 100 Thieves finished 2-0 in the group stage with victories over RRQ and BBL to secure a playoff berth. Now, the new-look roster has an opportunity to turn a promising rebuild into the club's best Esports World Cup finish yet.
Gentle Mates finished the group stage 2-0, securing wins over XLS and Nongshim RedForce. The mixed-European roster has been building form through 2026 and now moves into the single-elimination playoffs in Paris. With VALORANT at EWC 26 shifting to the Expo Porte de Versailles, the French club joins the home crowd storyline alongside Team Vitality as the bracket tightens and every match becomes elimination.
The Club Championship standings are now in focus as EWC 26 opens its first wave of competition. With last year’s top clubs back in contention, VALORANT offers an early opportunity to set the tone for the summer-long race. Among them, leading clubs like Team Vitality have a chance to establish an early advantage before the broader slate of tournaments begins to unfold.
2026
VALORANT at EWC 26 Survival Guide
The group stage is complete, and only eight teams remain. VALORANT at EWC 26 now shifts to the single-elimination playoffs at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, where every match is win-or-go-home in the race for the biggest share of the $2 million prize pool.
2026
Four Must-Watch Players in Week 1 of EWC 26
Every player arrives at the Esports World Cup with something to prove. Some are chasing another championship to cement their legacy, while others are looking to announce themselves on the biggest stage in esports. As Week 1 gets underway, these are the players ready to shape the tournament's opening chapter.
2026
ALGS at EWC 26 Survival Guide
ALGS at EWC 26 brings the pinnacle of competitive Apex Legends to Paris as 40 of the world's best teams descend on Paris Expo Porte de Versailles to battle for the Split 1 Playoffs title. With a $2 million prize pool on the line, only one team will emerge as the last squad standing.
2026
Trophy System of EWC
Our distinctive Trophy System returns, once again redefining how victory is celebrated and remembered. Designed to honor every step of the competitive journey, the system connects players, clubs, and games through a shared legacy and captures the spirit of cross-game competition.
© 2026 Esports World Cup All rights reserved.
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© 2026 Esports World Cup All rights reserved.
