Esports World Cup 2026 finalises all 24 titles lineup
Trackmania has been confirmed as the final title for the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026, which will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Esports World Cup Foundation, which has a multi-year agreement with Ubisoft Nadeo, is organising the tournament, which will include 24 games in various formats and genres. Time-trial racing is now part of the tournament thanks to Trackmania, adding further diversity to the international esports’ scene.
EWCF confirmed final title
Trackmania was announced as the final title for the Esports World Cup 2026 on 19 January 2026. The Esports World Cup Foundation has also entered into a multi-year partnership with Ubisoft Nadeo, ensuring Trackmania’s continued presence in future events. By establishing long-term support for the game within the competition, this agreement provides players and organisers with stability and ongoing opportunities.
Fabian Scheuermann, Chief Games Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, highlighted Trackmania’s focus on precision and fairness in competition. He said, “This is Trackmania stepping into the pinnacle of esports, validating its culture, attracting professional teams, and inviting a new generation to appreciate competitive racing at its most honest.”
What sets Trackmania apart
Trackmania differs from most racing games by removing variables beyond driving skill. All players use the same car on the same track, with no tuning or upgrades. Races are frequently decided by fractions of a second. Precision, consistency, and a solid grasp of each track are essential for success. The game centres on time trials, with players repeatedly refining their runs to improve performance.
At the Esports World Cup 2026, Trackmania will be the only racing title included, as RENNSPORT is not part of the line-up for the first time since 2024. Its time-based format and standardised rules set it apart from other racing games and align it more closely with individual competitive disciplines, offering a clear and uniform structure for competition at the event.
Trackmania’s esports legacy
Trackmania has a long history in competitive gaming, having been part of the Electronic Sports World Cup from 2006 to 2015. Its competitive scene later developed into the Trackmania World Tour, with regular seasonal events and international participation. In November 2025, the season concluded with Solary taking the title, showing that organised team competition in Trackmania continues to remain strong.
Florent Castelnerac, Managing Director at Ubisoft Nadeo, noted that its inclusion in the Esports World Cup reflects the game’s established legacy and future role in global events. He explained, “The game was conceived as the purest expression of solo competition, where players compete against the moment itself rather than direct opponents. Bringing the game in that spirit to the EWC stage honours its strong legacy and opens new roads to success for players from around the world.”
EWC 2026 format explained
At the Esports World Cup 2026, 32 Trackmania players will compete for a $500,000 prize pool. The tournament will start with a group stage using four-player lobbies and a double-elimination format. From there, the top eight players in each group will advance, with 16 moving into single-elimination playoffs, where precision and consistency will decide the champion.
Qualification for the Esports World Cup 2026 in Riyadh will begin with open in‑game qualifiers, allowing players worldwide to take part. On 26 January, a Trackmania update will include all process details, making the pathway clear and accessible to participants of all skill levels.
Complete line-up at EWC 2026
The Esports World Cup 2026 will feature 24 games across different genres, including Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Dota 2, VALORANT, Fortnite, and Trackmania. Trackmania is the only racing title in the line-up, distinguished by its time-trial format where players compete against the clock rather than directly against each other.
The full list of titles in EWC 2026:
- Apex Legends
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Chess
- Counter-Strike 2
- Crossfire
- Dota 2
- EA Sports FC 26
- FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves
- Fortnite
- Free Fire
- Honor of Kings
- League of Legends
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
- Overwatch 2
- PUBG: Battlegrounds
- PUBG Mobile
- Rocket League
- Street Fighter 6
- Tekken 8
- Rainbow Six Siege X
- Teamfight Tactics
- Trackmania
- VALORANT
Trackmania’s role and future in esports
The inclusion of Trackmania in the EWC 2026 is an important development for the game and its community. It provides participants with a broader platform for competition and indicates that esports teams are gaining greater recognition. The emphasis on accuracy and fairness demonstrates how racing games can succeed without relying on realism. Details on scheduling, broadcasting, and qualification will be revealed in the coming months. The collaboration is expected to influence how racing games are positioned in esports in the future.
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