Saudi Arabian esports organizations are gearing up to defend their dominance at the Esports World Cup (EWC) as the tournament moves to Paris for its third edition in 2026. Since the club championship was introduced in 2024, Saudi teams have set the standard for excellence across multiple gaming titles, with Team Falcons claiming the first two titles.
Team Falcons: Two-Time Defending Champions
Team Falcons, the two-time defending champions, currently lead all clubs in qualifications for EWC 2026, having secured places in 18 tournaments. Their strength lies in the depth of talent across major titles such as Rocket League, Counter-Strike 2, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Chess. The organization's consistency, including a championship victory in Overwatch 2 at EWC 2025, has established them as favorites for a third title.
Musaad Al-Dossary, co-founder and chairman of Team Falcons, said: “Winning the first two club championships in Saudi Arabia was an incredibly special moment for Team Falcons. To achieve that success in front of our home fans made it even more meaningful and is something we will always be proud of. As the Esports World Cup begins a new chapter in Paris, we’re excited to experience the event on a global stage and compete against the best clubs in the world once again. Every year the competition becomes stronger, but so does our ambition. We’re looking forward to the challenge ahead and to giving everything we have in pursuit of a third club championship title.”
Rise of Twisted Minds
Twisted Minds have emerged as a major force, securing qualification in nine tournaments for EWC 2026. The organization's championship victories in PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS and Call of Duty: Warzone at EWC 2025 have strengthened Saudi Arabia's presence in the club championship race. Together with Team Falcons, they represent a new era of Saudi esports built on sustained investment and competitive success.
International Challengers
The path to another club championship is far from straightforward. Team Vitality, a French organization, enters EWC 2026 as perhaps the most immediate threat, having qualified in 17 tournaments. With rosters competing at the highest level across several major titles, Vitality has the depth and consistency to challenge for the title throughout the seven-week competition.
Team Liquid, another major contender, has qualified in seven tournaments. As one of the most established esports organizations globally, Liquid's reputation for sustained success across multiple games and regions makes them a perennial threat. Alongside Vitality and Liquid, several other international clubs are investing heavily across multiple esports titles, making the race for points increasingly competitive.
New Chapter in Paris
The move to Paris marks a new chapter for the Esports World Cup. After two consecutive club championship victories, Saudi clubs have proven they can compete with the world's best. The question now is whether they can stay on top amid growing global competition.
