Counter-Strike 2 will return to the Esports World Cup for two more editions, with the 2027 and 2028 tournaments now confirmed. The 2027 event will feature 32 teams competing for a $2 million prize pool in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
EWC 2027 Dates and Format
The CS2 tournament will take place at Esports Boulevard in Riyadh from July 20 to August 1, 2027. Before the main event, an open qualifier will run from July 16 to 18, giving teams another route into the competition.
The qualifier will be played as an in-person LAN event, with four teams earning places in the 32-team main event. The qualifier will also have a separate $100,000 prize pool.
The main event will begin with four groups of eight teams in a double-elimination format. Four teams from each group will advance, leaving 16 teams for the playoff stage.
The playoffs will be played on LAN, with matches being best-of-three until the Grand Final. The final series will be a best-of-five.
How Teams Can Qualify
Most of the 32 teams will receive invitations through the Valve Regional Standings (VRS). The field will include 20 global VRS invites, two each from North America, South America and Asia, plus two wildcard invitations.
The remaining four spots will go to teams that qualify through the Riyadh Open Qualifier.
The $2 million prize pool will see the winning team take home $700,000, while the runner-up receives $300,000. Teams finishing third and fourth will receive $150,000 and $90,000 respectively.
CS2 Will Return in 2028
Counter-Strike 2 is also locked in for the 2028 Esports World Cup. The tournament is tentatively scheduled for July 14 to July 30, although its format, qualification system and prize pool have not yet been announced.
With CS2 confirmed for two more editions, the Esports World Cup will remain an important part of the game's international competitive calendar.