Coinbase and Bitget Break Ground as First Crypto Sponsors at Esports World Cup

The Esports World Cup 2026 has made history by welcoming its first cryptocurrency sponsors. Coinbase and Bitget logos appeared on the broadcast, marking a significant milestone in the integration of crypto and esports.

The EWC 2026 featured a total prize pool of $75 million across all disciplines, with $2 million allocated specifically to its Valorant segment. The tournament ran from July 2 through July 12, hosting 16 teams in the Valorant competition in Paris, France.

Nongshim RedForce took third place in the Valorant bracket by defeating BBL Esports 13-10 on map Breeze. This marked a strong playoff run for Nongshim, who had previously defeated Team Vitality 2-1 and EDward Gaming 2-0.

The deals between Coinbase and Bitget with EWC were reportedly made possible by newly established French regulations allowing for greater cryptocurrency branding opportunities within esports events. Neither company used the event to promote specific tokens or launch trading products.