Counter-Strike 2 Returns to the Esports World Cup in 2027 and 2028!
Sep 14, 2026.
Counter-Strike 2 is returning to the Esports World Cup in both 2027 and 2028, bringing two more years of world-class competition.
First up: EWC 2027. Thirty-two of the world’s best teams will battle for a $2 million prize pool and an expanded in-person Open Qualifier in Riyadh.
Which Club will keep its key intact and unlock the EWC 2027 trophy? Find all the 2027 tournament details below.
Tournament Dates:
- Arrival Date: July 18th, 2027
- Media Day: July 19th, 2027
- Tournament Dates: July 20th - August 1st, 2027
- Departure Date: August 1st - 2nd, 2027
- Event Location: Esports Boulevard Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Tournament Environment:
- All Stages of the tournament, including the Open Qualifier in Riyadh, will be played in-person on LAN.
VRS Publications for Invites
- Invites will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of June 2027.
- Tournament seeding will follow the first available monthly VRS publication of July 2027.
- Invite exceptions will apply if a player is banned.
Main Event Slots
- 20 Global VRS invites
- Two North American VRS invites
- Two South American VRS invites
- Two Asian VRS invites
- Two wildcard invites
- Four teams from the Riyadh Open Qualifier
Tournament Format
Stage 1
- Four groups of eight teams
- Double elimination groups
- Four teams from each group advance
Stage 2
- 16 teams on LAN in the playoffs
- Bo3 matches until the Grand Final
- Bo5 Grand Final
$2 Million Prize Pool
- 1st: $700,000
- 2nd: $300,000
- 3rd: $150,000
- 4th: $90,000
- 5th-8th: $60,000
- 9th-16th: $35,000
- 17th-23th: $20,000
- 24th-32nd: $10,000
Open Qualifier in Riyadh
- Dates: July 16–18, 2027
- Location: Esports Boulevard, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Format: In-person, non-BYOC LAN qualifier
- Registration: All participating teams must register
- Main Event Slots: Four
- Prize Pool: $100,000
Open Qualifier Prizing
- 1st–4th: Qualification to the Main Event
- 5th–8th: $9,500
- 9th–16th: $7,750
More information about registration will be announced soon.
Counter-Strike 2 Is Also Locked In for EWC 2028
The competition will continue in 2028, with Counter-Strike 2 tentatively scheduled to take place from July 14–30.
The next chapter is coming. Who will claim the key?
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