EWC 2026 Week 1 Champions Recap

Some will rise, others will fall. Read on for a breakdown of the first thrilling week of competitive action at the 2026 Esports World Cup.

Notable Stories of EWC 26 Week 1

Week 1 of EWC 26 delivered no shortage of memorable moments. Here are some of the biggest storylines from FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, Apex Legends, VALORANT, Dota 2, and the EA SPORTS FC 26 Play-Ins.

VALORANT at EWC 26 Winners: 100Thieves steal the trophy

100 Thieves has defeated NRG in the grand finals of VALORANT at the Esports World Cup 2026 to end their major title drought and upset the World Champions in a thrilling 3-1 series that went down to the wire.

EWC26 Week 2 Overview

The second week of the Esports World Cup 2026 showcases four huge competitions.

ALGS at EWC 26 Champions: Japan’s UNLIMIT Steals Match Point Win

A fierce battle unfolded at the ALGS 2026 Split 1 Playoffs Match Point Finals, with 11 teams reaching Match Point before Japan’s UNLIMIT finally sealed the championship in Game 10. The victory marks the young squad’s first S-tier Apex Legends tournament win and earns the club $600,000 in prize money. Congratulations to Yulariman, Xtsuvi, Peace, and UNLIMIT on their historic run.

FATAL FURY: COTW at EWC 26 Champion: DarkAngel claims EWC 2026's first title

After a dominant run through the bracket, Natus Vincere's Luis Guadalupe "DarkAngel" Castillo Gomez emerged as the first FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves at EWC 26 champion, defeating Kenta "mi2ha4" Ichihara 5-1 in Saturday's Grand Final. The victory makes DarkAngel the first champion of Esports World Cup 2026. Congratulations to DarkAngel and his club, Natus Vincere.

Top Fan Fest Highlights Of Week 1

At EWC 2026, the experience extends far beyond the competition. Throughout Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Fan Fest offers a wide range of interactive activations, hands-on experiences and community spaces designed to celebrate gaming culture and give every attendee something to explore. Here are the top highlights from Week 1 of the EWC 2026 Fan Fest.

Esports World Cup opens new international chapter with spectacular Paris ceremony

Esports fans from around the world watched the Esports World Cup officially begin with a star-studded Opening Ceremony at La Seine Musicale in Paris. Headlined by Aya Nakamura, DJ Snake, Theodora, and Mosimann, the celebration marked the start of the first EWC edition outside of Riyadh and kicked off seven weeks of global competition.

Official Superfans Packages: Join Your Club

The Official Superfans Package is created for the most passionate supporters, bringing you closer to the action and your club, while taking the hassle out of planning so you can focus on backing your club.

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.

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.

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.

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.

EWC26 Week 1 Overview

The opening week of the Esports World Cup 2026 features four tournaments alongside the Last Chance Qualifier for EA SPORTS FC 26.

Attendee Guide

Welcome to the Esports World Cup 2026 in Paris! This guide contains info you need to make the most of your visit: from planning your trip and entering the venue to watching matches, taking part in Fan Fest activities, and staying safe.

All You Need to Know about EWC26 PARIS

The Esports World Cup 2026 kicks off in Paris in less than two weeks, featuring a massive $75 million prize pool and talent from around the globe, it’s a must-watch event for esports fans everywhere, whether they’re attending in person or tuning in from home.