May 15 – 17, 2026
- May 15 – 17, 2026
Road to EWC: ATLANTA
Esports World Cup 2026
The Road to EWC continues its journey with Atlanta emerging as the next pivotal stop. This is where momentum builds and new contenders step forward, competing across Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, and Chess for their chance to secure a place at the Esports World Cup 2026.
It’s a defining moment, where regional talent rises, stories unfold, and the intensity of the Road to EWC comes to life in real time.
Are you the next rising star? Sign up, step into the spotlight, and take your shot.
Or join the crowd, cheer from the stands and support your favorite players as they fight for their place on the world stage.
Apply to co-stream
FATAL FURY: CotW Atlanta Qualifiers
Top 4 Players qualify to EWC 2026
Format
- Stage #1: Double Elimination Pools - 32 players per pool From 256 players to 32 players
- Stage #2: Double Elimination, Top 32
- Finals: Double Elimination: 8 players
- TOP 4 Players qualify to EWC 2026
PRIZE POOL:
TOTAL | $50,000 |
1st | $15,000 |
2nd
| $7,500 |
3rd | $5,000 |
4th | $3,500 |
5th-6th | $2,500 |
7th-8th | $2,000 |
9th-12th | $1,500 |
13th-16th | $1,000 |
Street Fighter 6: Atlanta Qualifiers
Top 2 Players qualify to EWC 2026
Format
- Stage #1: Double Elimination Pools - 32 players per pool From 512 players to 64 players
- Stage #2: Double Elimination, Top 64
- Finals: Double Elimination: 8 players
- TOP 4 Players qualify to EWC 2026
PRIZE POOL:
TOTAL | $50,000 |
1st | $15,000 |
2nd
| $7,500 |
3rd | $5,000 |
4th | $3,500 |
5th-6th | $2,500 |
7th-8th | $2,000 |
9th-12th | $1,500 |
13th-16th | $1,000 |
TEKKEN 8: Atlanta Qualifiers
Top 3 Players qualify to EWC 2026
Format
- Stage #1: Double Elimination Pools - 32 players per pool From 512 players to 64 players
- Stage #2: Double Elimination, Top 64
- Finals: Double Elimination: 8 players
- TOP 4 Players qualify to EWC 2026
PRIZE POOL:
TOTAL | $50,000 |
1st | $15,000 |
2nd
| $7,500 |
3rd | $5,000 |
4th | $3,500 |
5th-6th | $2,500 |
7th-8th | $2,000 |
9th-12th | $1,500 |
13th-16th | $1,000 |
Chess: Atlanta Qualifiers
Top 4 Players qualify to EWC 2026
Format
- Stage #1: Group Stage - Swiss-system tournament - 32 players per group
- Finals: Double Elimination: 16 players
- TOP 4 Players qualify to EWC 2026
PRIZE POOL:
TOTAL | $50,000 |
1st | $15,000 |
2nd
| $7,500 |
3rd | $5,000 |
4th | $3,500 |
5th-6th | $2,500 |
7th-8th | $2,000 |
9th-12th | $1,500 |
13th-16th | $1,000 |
EWC FAQ
No, this is a live onsite qualifier in Atlanta. Please plan for your physical attendance if you wish to participate.
Please sign up and confirm your attendance on the qualifier sign up links above! Note that you also need a valid DreamHack ticket to enter the venue.
Street Fighter 6: Participants must be +13 years old
TEKKEN 8: Participants must be +13 years old
CHESS: Participants must be +13 years old
FATAL FURY: CotW: Participants must be +16 years old
Participants under 18 require a parent or legal guardian to sign a waiver.
You can find them on the respective sign up pages for each qualifier.
Happening in Riyadh from Jul 6 – Aug 23 in 2026, the Esports World Cup (EWC) is a premier annual sporting event and global celebration of competitive excellence and gaming fandom. At the heart of this international tournament and championship is the EWC Club Championship, featuring a unique cross-game format that pits the world’s top esports clubs against one another for the largest prize pool in esports history.
It is also the home of the EWC Festival, where community esports tournaments, live music, retro arcades, anime cafés, cosplay, creator studios, and more come together, offering millions of fans exclusive gaming experiences. Read more on esportsworldcup.com/en
