Jul 18, 2026.
LYON's Benjamín "Gamezking" Pérez named Sony MVP as the Latin American team claimed the $300,000 top prize, a place at the Free Fire World Series Global Finals, and 1,000 Club Championship Points
PARIS, France (July 18, 2026) -- LYON have been crowned the Free Fire at Esports World Cup 2026 champions, following a thrilling finale in which four teams entered the decisive game with a chance of lifting the trophy.
The Latin American team overcame 11 rivals in the Grand Final to secure the $300,000 first-place prize, qualification for the Free Fire World Series Global Finals and 1,000 points in the EWC 2026 Club Championship.
LYON produced a standout performance on their way to the title. In Game 5, the team set a new competition record by scoring 45 points in a single game, combining 33 eliminations with 12 placements points from securing the first-place “Booyah.”
LYON’s Benjamín “Gamezking” Pérez was named the Sony MVP after recording 60 eliminations and 71 knockdowns across the tournament. The team’s achievement carried added significance for Gamezking, who spoke candidly about the anxiety he has experienced in recent months.
“I’m really happy. It’s been a rough couple of months for me, dealing with my anxiety," he said. "I never really talked to anyone about this besides my family, every single trip is a struggle for me. I’m really, really happy to be Champions with my team. This is LYON.”
“I’m very happy. I always try to give my 100%. I couldn’t give 100% today because of my anxiety. I always struggle with it," he said after being named MVP. "But thank you very much to all my teammates, because without them I wouldn’t be MVP.”
After a tense series that saw four teams in contention to claim the title in the final Game 7. LYON, who had gained Champion Rush Point Eligibility heading into Game 6 along with AG.AL, played strategically throughout the final game. LYON maintained their composure, carefully controlling engagements from range before capitalizing as their rivals battled around them.
With the safe zone rapidly closing, the LATAM team were able to eliminate Team Apex Gaming before joining a three-way fight between LOUD and AG.AL in the dwindling circle. They swept up the damage between the two teams to secure the eliminations and claimed their final 'Booyah' along with the title.
“I’m full of these feelings of having these magnificent players, to be able to coach them, to be able to be with them through their journey. I’m just extremely happy and extremely grateful to be able to have these teammates,” said Eric "SoyDella" Martínez.
LYON and AG.AL both were Champion Rush Point Eligible after Game 5, and it was fitting that they were the final Clubs in the circle at the end. 12 teams made it to the Grand Finals, including Team Falcons, LOUD and Twisted Minds, who took at least one Booyah each. Defending champions, EVOS Divine, couldn't get going in the Grand finals, and finished in 10th.
To learn more about the Esports World Cup, visit esportsworldcup.com and follow the Esports Foundation on LinkedIn.
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