The Esports Foundation has announced the launch of a new qualification system for the Esports World Cup 2027
The organizers of the 2027 Esports World Cup have unveiled an updated “Road to EWC” qualifying system, which includes two partner pathways for integrating third-party tournaments into the overall championship structure. This large-scale initiative will encompass more than 400 competitive events worldwide and is expected to attract approximately 1.8 million participants to the qualifiers.
The Esports World Cup 2027 qualification program consists of the following categories and conditions:
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Direct Qualifiers.
- Well-known international tournament operators can integrate their existing Tier 1 and Tier 2 competitions into the overall “Road to EWC” cycle. Organizers retain their own commercial identity, marketing rights, and independent funding, but are required to comply with the platform’s standards and the requirements of game publishers, granting winners direct invites to the main championship.
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Satellite Last Chance Qualifiers.
- Regional organizers, national esports federations, associations, internet cafes, and universities may host local competitions under their own brand with marketing support from the Esports Foundation. The top players and teams will receive guaranteed slots in the Last Chance LAN Qualifier next summer. Organizers are required to fully cover participants’ accommodation and transportation costs and provide visa support.
Currently, satellite qualifiers have been confirmed for four competitive games: Chess, Fatal Fury: CotW, Street Fighter 6, and Counter-Strike 2. The application period for third-party organizers in both categories opened on October 15 and will run through December 20, 2026. All local competitions within the Satellite LCQ system must be fully completed by June 1, 2027, prior to the start of the final stage of qualifiers in Riyadh.
The 2027 Esports World Cup for Counter-Strike 2 will take place in Riyadh at the Boulevard Riyadh City venue from July 20 to August 1. The competition will feature 32 teams competing for a prize pool of $2,000,000.
Photo: Esports Foundation.
