EWC 2026 Kicks Off with $75M Prize Pool and Crypto Sponsorship Rules

The Esports World Cup 2026 has kicked off in Paris, marking a significant milestone for the global gaming community. The tournament boasts an impressive $75 million prize pool and has introduced new rules regarding crypto sponsorships.

In its first match, Gentle Mates defeated Xi Lai Gaming 2-1 in the Group C opener on July 3. This win sets the stage for a thrilling competition with over 2,000 participants from around the world across various game titles.

The EWC has updated its sponsorship guidelines to allow French-registered crypto and blockchain companies to sponsor events. However, these sponsors are restricted from direct token integrations or on-site activations. This means that while they can promote their brand, they cannot offer in-game rewards or NFT drops linked to match outcomes.