Esports World Cup kicks off in style

PARIS: The Esports World Cup 2026 has landed in Paris, and Week 1 has wasted no time getting into full swing. With the opening ceremony complete, there are already three trophies on the line as attention turns to the first Championship Weekend of EWC 2026.

Week 1 sees the conclusion of VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves championships. This also marks the beginning of the $30m Club Championship race, with clubs looking to put points on the board and attempt to challenge Saudi’s Team Falcons, who are going for their third Club Championship title.

The main highlights to look out for over the weekend will include:

VALORANT

VALORANT kicked EWC 2026 into life after a ferocious group stage, where half the teams were sent home. VALORANT will cap off the weekend on Sunday 12 July, with their second EWC Championship. Defending EWC winners Team Heretics topped Group D without dropping a series and have arrived in Paris as the side everyone has been keeping an eye on.

Team Heretics are not alone, however, as other group toppers and second-place finishers are coming for the title. American team 100 Thieves and French clubs Team Vitality and Gentle Mates all secured top spots with the same 2-0 record. Meanwhile, 2025 VALORANT Champions winners NRG will surely be gunning for the top spot. The title picture will become clear quickly, as the best-of-three matches are all single-elimination, meaning there are no second chances heading into the grand finale.

Apex Legends

The ALGS Year 6 Split 1 Playoffs brought 40 of the world’s best Apex Legends squads to Paris for a $2 million prize pool, a chance at the Club Championship, and vital championship points on the road to the ALGS Year 6 Championship. Three