Trackmania at EWC 26 Survival Guide

Qualification for the tournament combined in-person events with in-game competitions. The first eight players earned their spots through the Road to EWC: DreamHack Birmingham event, while another eight qualified through the in-game Elite Cups. The remaining 16 spots were awarded through multiple regional qualifiers.

One day to crown a champion

The tournament kicks off with a three-day Group Stage, where the 32 qualified racers are divided into two 16-player groups. Drivers will battle through double-elimination brackets in Cup Mode, with each match played to a 140-point limit.

Only eight drivers from each group will survive, setting up a single day of Playoff action on August 22. The remaining 16 drivers will battle through the single-elimination bracket round by round, with one racer ultimately claiming the title, $130,000 and 1,000 Club Championship points for their organization.

Trackmania’s best collide

A new title means a fresh start at EWC 26, but the Trackmania starting grid is packed with drivers who already have legendary résumés. Leading the field is Canadian superstar Carl-Antoni “Carl Jr.” Cloutier, a seven-time World Champion and one of the most decorated drivers in Trackmania history. With an unmatched collection of titles behind him, Carl Jr. enters as the clear driver to beat.

The competition is anything but a foregone conclusion, however. Thomas “Pac” Cole, Patrick “Mudda” Radisich, Nico “GranaDy” Gyarmati and a host of other elite drivers have the speed and experience to challenge the favorite. With only one day of Playoff action separating the final 16 from the trophy, one mistake could be all it takes to open the door for a new EWC champion.

A battle of milliseconds

Every competitor will race on the same black campaign tracks and use the exact same car, making pure execution the difference between winning and losing. A missed turn or tiny mistake can ruin an otherwise perfect run.

The Playoffs are compressed into a single day, leaving drivers little room to recover from mistakes. Speed, precision and mental fortitude will be essential for anyone hoping to become the first EWC Trackmania champion.

Club Championship

Only the Counter-Strike 2 Grand Final remains after Trackmania, meaning the results in Paris could play a major role in deciding this year’s Club Championship. Both frontrunners, Team Falcons and AG.AL, have strong representation in the tournament and will be looking to collect some of their final points.

Team Falcons will have high hopes with Carl-Antoni “Carl Jr.” Cloutier, widely considered the greatest Trackmania player of all time, leading its lineup. AG.AL should not be counted out, however, with French duo Alexandre “Binkss” Touche and Gwendal “Gwen” Duparc bringing plenty of danger to the field. Playing on home turf could give the pair the extra edge they need to exceed expectations and deliver crucial points in the Club Championship race.