Esports World Cup opens qualification routes through local tournaments

Esports World Cup organisers have unveiled two new qualification routes for the 2027 championship. Both established tournaments and local community competitions will be able to join the official pathway.

The EWC Qualifier Program expands Road to EWC, which aims to reach more than 400 tournaments and 1.8 million players. Those are programme targets rather than totals for completed events or registered entrants.

EWC Direct Qualifiers will allow existing competitions to become official qualifying events. Organisers will retain their brands and remain responsible for running and funding their tournaments.

Satellite Last Chance Qualifiers is designed for local communities, including gaming cafes, universities and gaming festivals. Winners will receive places in last-chance qualifiers, where they will compete for entry to the main championship. The Esports World Cup Foundation will provide accommodation and visa assistance.

The initial local qualification programme covers chess, Counter-Strike 2, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves and Street Fighter 6. Further disciplines will be announced later.

Organiser applications close on December 20, 2026. Approved tournaments must finish by June 1, 2027, ahead of the last-chance qualifiers.