The Origin and Development of EWC
The Esports World Cup (EWC) is hosted by the Esports World Cup Foundation, a non-profit organization supported by the Saudi government. Following Gamers Without Borders and Gamers8, the EWC has become a key international esports event for Saudi Arabia, promoting the development of global esports.
Early scale and evolution of Esports World Cup
2024: The first EWC is held in Riyadh, including 22 games, 23 events, and a total prize pool of approximately US$62.5 million
2025: EWC expands to 25 games, 26 events, and a prize pool of over US$70 million. New projects such as Valorant and Crossfire are added, and online chess is included in the competition system.
In addition to the championships and prizes within each game, the reward mechanism also includes a cross-game Club Championship and Club Partner Program to support the long-term development of participating clubs.
Major structural features of Esports World Cup
The venue is fixed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Boulevard City and other venues), with multiple e-sports venues and event facilities.
Covers a wide range of game genres, including shooters (such as CS2/Counter-Strike), multiplayer online tactical and competitive games (such as League of Legends and Valorant), and traditional/strategy games like chess.
CS2’s Role in EWC and 2027 Schedule of Esports World Cup
Counter-Strike (now Counter-Strike 2) has been a flagship event in EWC since its inception. It was a prominent fixture for both clubs and international teams in both 2024 and 2025.
According to official information, the CS2 tournament dates at EWC 2027 are July 16 to August 1, 2027, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Compared to the previous five-day tournament, the EWC 2027 schedule will be extended , potentially expanding the tournament’s quality and participation.
At the 2025 EWC, the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) event peaked at over 730,000 viewers, making it one of the top ten most-watched CS2 events of the year.
Key Data and Information Summary
| Year | Number of Games / Events | Prize Pool / Club Championship | New Titles Added | CS2 Audience / Scale |
| 2024 | 22 games / 23 events | ~$62.5M total prize pool | Various shooters and strategy titles | CS participated continuously, foundational scale established |
| 2025 | 25 games / 26 events | $70M+ (with significant Club Championship increase) | Valorant, Crossfire, Chess | CS2 peak viewers ~730,000+ |
| 2027 (preview) | CS2 confirmed; overall scale expected to expand | Not fully announced yet, but extended schedule confirmed | CS2 first officially confirmed title | Growth expected based on prior years’ data |
Global Significance and Challenges
Economic and Industrial Driving Force
This vision aims to diversify the economy, create jobs, and attract international tourism and investment by developing the esports and gaming industries.
Technical and Esports Ecosystem Impact
The tournament has positively impacted esports clubs, players, live streaming platforms, and content creators. CS2, with its deep community and large audience, has become one of EWC’s most representative and prominent events.
Controversy and Scrutiny
Despite the EWC’s generous prize pool and widespread influence, tournament organizers and the Saudi government have been questioned over concerns about “sports whitewashing.” Some players and teams have chosen not to participate or have withdrawn based on their values.
Conclusion
Counter-Strike 2’s position in the Esports World Cup 2027 can be said to be both secure and promising. The official CS2 event has been confirmed to take place in Riyadh from July 16 to August 1, 2027. This not only continues EWC’s ongoing support for Counter-Strike/CS2 in previous years, but also reflects the organizers’ desire to enhance the event’s influence and strengthen the overall synergy of the esports ecosystem by extending the tournament schedule and expanding its scale.
From a prize pool of approximately US$62.5 million in 2024, to exceeding US$70 million in 2025 with an increased number of games and cultural elements, to the anticipated adjustments for 2027, EWC is becoming one of the most representative events in global esports. For CS2 players, clubs, fans, and everyone involved in the esports industry, it is not only a stage to showcase their competitive prowess, but also an opportunity to participate in shaping the rules, business models, and community culture of the global esports ecosystem.