Competitive Fortnite is set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026. Following a one year hiatus, Epic Games has partnered with the tournament organizers to host the Reload Elite Series Championship this summer, featuring a $1 million prize pool.
The 2026 edition introduces a significant shift in format. Instead of the traditional Battle Royale Build or Zero Build modes used in previous competitions, participants will compete in Fortnite Reload. This mode emphasizes a faster pace and high elimination counts. The event will feature 40 Duos from around the globe who must earn their spots through a series of regional qualifiers.
Qualification Process and Regional Slots
Players from seven distinct regions will have four opportunities to qualify for the main event in Riyadh. The qualification period spans several months leading up to August 2026. The 40 available spots for the Reload Elite Series Championship are distributed based on region, with Europe and North America Central receiving the highest number of allocations per qualifier.
The breakdown of spots per qualifier for each region is as follows:
- Europe: 3 Duos per qualifier (12 total)
- NA Central: 2 Duos per qualifier (8 total)
- NA West: 1 Duo per qualifier (4 total)
- Brazil: 1 Duo per qualifier (4 total)
- Asia: 1 Duo per qualifier (4 total)
- Middle East: 1 Duo per qualifier (4 total)
- Oceania: 1 Duo per qualifier (4 total)
Confirmed Qualified Teams
The first of four scheduled qualifiers has concluded, and the initial set of ten Duos has secured their tickets to the Esports World Cup 2026. These teams represent the top performers from their respective regions during the first round of competition.
Europe
- Shxrk & T3eny
- Sky & Scroll
- Tjino & PabloWingu
NA Central
- Cold & Rapid
- Peterbot & Pollo
NA West
- Phoenix & Retro
Brazil
- 916Gon & Night
Asia
- Yuma & Koyota
Middle East
- 5aald & Mshary
Oceania
- Alex & Wreckless
Three additional qualifiers remain on the schedule. As these events conclude, the remaining 30 slots will be filled to complete the final roster of 40 Duos for the summer championship.