The Esports World Cup 2026 has brought the best VALORANT talent to Paris, with 16 teams battling for a $2 million prize pool. Held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, the event is currently narrowing down the field as it moves through the final stages of the playoffs.
Tournament Schedule and Format
Running from July 2 to July 12, 2026, the event is split into two phases: a group stage and a single-elimination playoff bracket. The group stage, which concluded on July 7, saw 16 teams compete in four groups, with the top two from each group moving on. All matches are played as best-of-three series, with the exception of the grand final on July 12, which will be a best-of-five.
Playoff Results and Remaining Matches
The playoffs kicked off on July 9, featuring high-stakes matchups as teams fight to stay alive in the bracket:
- July 9: BBL Esports defeated Team Heretics (2–1), and Gentle Mates took down NRG (1–0).
- July 10: Team Vitality vs. Nongshim RedForce and 100 Thieves vs. MIBR.
- July 11: The semifinals are scheduled to determine who advances to the final day.
- July 12: The event concludes with the consolation final and the grand final.
Prize Pool Distribution
The $2,000,000 prize pool is distributed based on final standing, with the tournament champion walking away with $600,000. Here is how the prize money is allocated:
| Place | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | $600,000 |
| 2nd | $340,000 |
| 3rd | $220,000 |
| 4th | $140,000 |
| 5th-8th | $90,000 |
| 9th-12th | $55,000 |
| 13th-16th | $30,000 |
Teams eliminated in the group stage or early playoffs include Paper Rex, Xi Lai Gaming, Global Esports, and Rex Regum Qeon, who finished in the 13th-16th bracket. Team Heretics has secured a 5th-8th place finish with a prize of $90,000.