October 13, 2025
CS2 Returns to the Esports World Cup 2026 With 32 Teams, LAN Open Qualifier, and $2 Million Prize Pool Counter-Strike 2’s biggest Esports World Cup yet brings a new two-stage format, expanded team pool, and record-breaking stakes this August in Riyadh
Counter-Strike 2 is officially returning to the Esports World Cup (EWC) in 2026 — and this year’s edition is bigger, bolder, and more competitive than ever.
Featuring 32 teams, an all-LAN format, and a record-breaking $2 million prize pool, the 2026 tournament introduces a new two-stage format and even gives amateur teams a chance to qualify through an open LAN event in Riyadh.
Here’s a full breakdown of what to expect when CS2 takes the stage this summer.
📅 Schedule and Format
The CS2 tournament at EWC 2026 runs from August 12–23, 2026, with every stage played live on LAN in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The format has been completely overhauled to feature two distinct stages:
🏆 Stage 1: 32-Team Group Stage
- Four groups of eight teams each.
- Double elimination format.
- Opening matches: Best-of-One (Bo1).
- Remaining matches: Best-of-Three (Bo3).
🎖️ Stage 2: 16-Team Playoffs
- Single-elimination bracket.
- All matches Bo3 except for the Grand Final, which will be Best-of-Five (Bo5).
This new structure aims to reward consistency and resilience, giving teams more opportunities to bounce back after early losses — a key improvement from last year’s single-elimination system.
🌍 Qualification Details
A total of 32 teams will earn spots in Stage One, determined through a mix of invites, rankings, and open qualifiers.
✳️ Qualification Breakdown:
- 21 teams: Invited based on Global VRS rankings (as of June 2026).
- 2 teams: From North America (excluding Top 21 global teams).
- 2 teams: From South America (excluding Top 21 global teams).
- 2 teams: From Asia (excluding Top 21 global teams).
- 1 team: Winner of the Asian Champions League 2026.
- 4 teams: From the Open Qualifier LAN event in Riyadh.
🖥️ Open Qualifier on LAN
The Open Qualifier will run August 7–9, 2026, live at the Esports Boulevard in Riyadh.
- Format: Double elimination groups, expanded based on total signups.
- Capacity: Up to 128 teams supported.
- Advancement: Top 4 teams qualify for the main event.
- Prize Pool: $100,000 distributed among top finishers.
💰 Open Qualifier Payouts:
- 1st–4th: Qualify for the Main Event.
- 5th–8th: $9,500 each.
- 9th–16th: $7,750 each.
This marks one of the largest open LAN qualifiers in CS2 history, giving aspiring teams a chance to compete shoulder-to-shoulder with the world’s best on the biggest stage.
💵 Prize Pool Breakdown
EWC 2026 will feature a record-setting $2 million in total prize money — tying the all-time Counter-Strike record set at the PGL Stockholm Major 2021.
🏆 Main Event Prize Distribution
-
🥇 1st Place
- Prize: $600,000
-
🥈 2nd Place
- Prize: $340,000
-
🥉 3rd Place
- Prize: $190,000
-
4th Place
- Prize: $110,000
-
5th–8th Place
- Prize: $60,000
-
9th–16th Place
- Prize: $35,000
-
17th–23rd Place
- Prize: $20,000
-
24th–32nd Place
- Prize: $10,000
Combined with the $100,000 LAN Qualifier prize pool, this year’s event brings $2.1 million in total CS2 winnings to EWC 2026 — making it one of the most lucrative tournaments in esports history.
🕹️ CS2 at EWC 2025 Recap
Last year’s Counter-Strike 2 showcase was one for the books.
Fan favorites The MongolZ finally captured their long-awaited championship, defeating GamerLegion, 3DMAX, Team Vitality, and Aurora on their path to victory — securing the $500,000 grand prize.
Sodbayar “Techno4K” Munkhbold earned the SONY MVP Award, receiving an additional $10,000 for his standout performance.
Meanwhile, Team Falcons placed 3rd — a finish that helped the organization clinch its second consecutive EWC Club Championship, highlighted by superstar NiKo lifting the club trophy during the Closing Ceremony.
⚡ Final Take
With twice the teams, double elimination, and an open LAN qualifier for aspiring players, EWC 2026 marks a new era for Counter-Strike esports.
It’s not just another tournament — it’s a full-scale celebration of the competitive community, from grassroots players to global powerhouses, all battling on the same stage for a share of $2 million.
Fans can catch all the action starting August 12, 2026, live from Riyadh.