Esports Foundation expands qualification pathways for EWC 2027
The foundation targets 1.8 million players across more than 400 events through its Road to EWC program.
The Esports Foundation announced the EWC 2027 Qualifier Program on October 20. The Road to EWC qualification system targets 1.8 million players participating across more than 400 events in 2027, linking publisher-led leagues, international tournaments, and regional qualifiers to the Esports World Cup.
The program introduces two pathways. EWC Direct Qualifiers connects existing tournaments where organizers operate competitions directly while maintaining their event's identity and local commercial opportunities. The newly introduced EWC Satellite Last Chance Qualifiers is open to local tournament organizers, national esports federations, internet cafes, universities, esports venues, and gaming festivals.
Winners of Satellite LCQ events earn a spot in that title's EWC LCQ held the following summer, where they compete for a slot in the main EWC event. The Esports Foundation will provide accommodation and visa support for winners. The initial lineup includes Chess, Counter-Strike 2, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, and Street Fighter 6.
Applications are open on the official EWC website and close on December 20. Approved events must conclude by June 1, 2027. Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer of the Esports Foundation, said the program aims to create more opportunities for players to compete in their own communities and give local esports ecosystems an official role in building the pathway to the Esports World Cup.
Source: invenglobal.com
