The Esports Foundation has introduced the EWC Qualifier Program 2027, a new partnership initiative that will allow independent tournament organizers, esports federations, universities, and local gaming communities to join the official "Road to Esports World Cup" qualification cycle. In 2027, the organizers expect to cover over 400 tournaments and engage 1.8 million players worldwide.
The new initiative aims to expand the qualification system for the Esports World Cup (EWC) and create additional opportunities for players who do not compete at the highest professional tier. Thanks to the program, even local competitions will be able to become part of the international qualification cycle.
At the same time, the Esports Foundation does not plan to fully take over the organization of partner tournaments. Program participants will be able to retain their own brands, manage competitions independently, and develop commercial activities within their respective markets.
Two pathways to the Esports World Cup
The EWC Qualifier Program entails two collaboration formats tailored to different categories of organizers.
EWC Direct Qualifiers — integration of existing tournaments
The first pathway is designed for organizers of established esports competitions who wish to include their tournaments in the official Esports World Cup qualification system.
These partners will continue to host and fund their tournaments independently, retaining their names, branding, and commercial opportunities. However, the competitions must comply with Esports World Cup standards and the requirements of the respective game publishers. Thus, organizers will be able to integrate their own tournament series into the international qualification system without having to create entirely new events.
EWC Satellite Last Chance Qualifiers — an opportunity for local communities
The second pathway, EWC Satellite Last Chance Qualifiers (SLCQ), focuses on the development of grassroots esports.
Local tournament operators, esports federations and associations, cyber cafes, universities, gaming venues, and festival organizers will be eligible to apply. They will have the opportunity to propose existing competitions or organize new tournaments under their own brands with marketing support from the Esports Foundation.
Winners of approved Satellite tournaments will secure guaranteed spots in the respective EWC Last Chance Qualifiers (LCQ), scheduled for summer 2027. It is at this stage that they will compete for the right to participate in the main event of the Esports World Cup.
The Esports Foundation will also provide Satellite qualifier winners with accommodation and visa assistance. Importantly, winning a local tournament does not guarantee direct entry to the EWC; rather, it opens the path to the final stage of the selection process.
In which disciplines will the Satellite qualifiers be held?
Initially, the EWC Satellite Last Chance Qualifiers program will cover four disciplines:
- Counter-Strike 2 — a team-based tactical shooter by Valve.
- Chess — an intellectual discipline also featured at the EWC.
- Street Fighter 6 — a fighting game by Capcom.
- FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves — a fighting game by SNK.
In the future, the organizers plan to announce additional disciplines joining the program.
What does this mean for Ukrainian esports?
The launch of the EWC Qualifier Program potentially creates new opportunities for Ukrainian tournament organizers, esports communities, universities, and cyber cafes.
In particular, local Counter-Strike 2 competitions could qualify for inclusion in the international selection system if their organizers submit an application and meet the program requirements. For smaller esports teams, this could serve as an additional route to enter the international competitive scene without the immediate need to participate in major professional leagues.
However, simply applying does not guarantee partnership status. Organizers must pass a selection process and ensure their competitions are held in accordance with established rules. Currently, a specific list of approved Ukrainian partners under the new program has not been announced.
How to apply for the EWC Qualifier Program 2027?
Applications for both pathways opened on October 15, 2026.
Key program dates:
- December 20, 2026 — application deadline.
- June 1, 2027 — final deadline for the conclusion of all approved partner tournaments.
- Summer 2027 — Final Last Chance Qualifiers take place.
Applications are accepted via the official Esports World Cup website. Organizers can also contact Esports Foundation representatives directly:
- EWC Direct Qualifiers: EWCDirectQualifier@esportsfoundation.com
- EWC Satellite LCQ: EWCSatelliteLCQ@esportsfoundation.com
A new development stage for Road to EWC
The expansion of the qualification system demonstrates the Esports World Cup organizers' ambition to involve not only top professional clubs but also regional esports communities.
The projected 1.8 million participants and over 400 tournaments remain target metrics for the program rather than confirmed results. If the EWC Qualifier Program is successfully implemented, local tournaments will gain an additional link to the international scene, and players will find new opportunities to chart a path from regional competitions to one of the world's largest esports festivals.
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