Notable Stories of EWC 26 Week 2

Dota 2 at 2026 Esports World Cup

Playoffs

In the Dota 2 arena, Rune Eaters completely rewrote the script. A team that has spent much of its existence competing through lower-tier events pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by defeating Aurora Gaming. Currently ranked third in the EPT standings and holding a direct invite to TI15, Aurora entered EWC 26 as a contender for a deep run. Instead, the Kazakhstani organization exceeded all expectations, taking down established names like Xtreme Gaming, Virtus.pro, and ultimately Aurora to cement itself as one of the event's biggest underdog stories.

At the center of Rune Eaters’ surge was Philipp "Copy" Bühler. With a resume that includes a TI appearance and a stint with Nouns, Copy’s talent has never been in question, but just months ago he was still competing in the trenches of lower-tier Dota. His masterclass performance against Aurora showcased a player capable of competing on the international stage and one who may have slipped through the scouting of larger organizations.

Ultimately, Rune Eaters’ Cinderella run came to an end against PVISION. Despite bringing creative drafts to the series, overcoming the would-be tournament champions, led by 18-year-old prodigy Alan "Satanic" Gallyamov, proved to be a challenge too great.

League of Legends at 2026 Esports World Cup

Playoffs

The League of Legends bracket delivered a rollercoaster of emotions for the French faithful in Paris. After a difficult start to the tournament, hometown heroes Karmine Corp found their footing and became the only non-Korean team to reach the semifinals. There, they pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent history, defeating legendary powerhouse T1 2-1. Led by standout performances from Caliste "Caliste" Henry-Hennebert, Karmine Corp had the arena shaking as the home crowd rallied behind their run.

The mood inside the Paris Expo could not have been more different during the final. Dplus KIA delivered a dominant 3-0 sweep, silencing the French crowd and transforming the arena from a sea of cheers into an atmosphere that felt almost like a library.

MWI at the 2026 Esports World Cup

Group Stage

The fact that Virtus.pro and Twisted Minds crossed paths at this year’s MWI felt almost inevitable. Both organizations had acquired the core of their opponent’s previous roster, turning their matchup into more than just a rivalry. When they finally met, both teams were looking to prove their organization made the right choice in backing them over their counterparts.

Twisted Minds ultimately claimed the victory and earned the head-to-head bragging rights, but neither squad was able to build on that momentum. Both teams were eliminated in the Group A lower-bracket semifinals, ending their MWI campaigns before the Knockout Stage.

Free Fire at the Esports World Cup 2026

Survival Stage

After years of absence, Free Fire at EWC 26 marked a major milestone as India joined the competition with S8UL Esports and Team Apex Gaming. Following shaky starts in the Group Stage, both teams found their form in the Survival Stage, dominating their groups and securing spots in the Finals. While they narrowly missed the podium, their performances marked an important step forward for the region, proving Indian teams can compete against the world's best.