On November 17th, it's been made official – both Fortnite and Rocket League are set to headline the Esports World Cup 2026 in Riyadh. The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced a major multi-year partnership with Epic Games, confirming that Fortnite and Rocket League will once again feature at the Esports World Cup (EWC) next year and until 2028.

The collaboration aims to expand competitive opportunities for players and esports organizations while strengthening the EWC’s goal of bringing the world’s most influential games together under one global banner. Fortnite will make its long-awaited return after being absent in 2025, while Rocket League cements its place as one of the event’s main titles.

Fortnite Reload Elite Series confirmed

The highlight of the announcement is the introduction of the Fortnite Reload Elite Series Championship, which will take place as part of the Esports World Cup 2026. This brand-new competitive circuit is based on Fortnite Reload, a fast-paced 40-player battle royale mode focused on duos and team survival.

The competition will begin in January 2026 with several online stages — including Open Rounds, Play-Ins, Heats, and Finals — culminating in a global championship event in Riyadh. The total prize pool will reach $2.5 million, with $1 million allocated to the Saudi world championship, alongside EWC Club Championship points. “Fortnite has built one of the largest player communities in the world and continues to influence culture far beyond esports,” said Fabian Scheuermann, Chief Games Officer at the EWCF.

Rocket League returns after historic 2025

Rocket League will also make a highly anticipated comeback following the success of its 2025 edition, where Karmine Corp triumphed over Geekay Esports. A defining title in competitive gaming since its 2015 release, Rocket League will once again take center stage at the Esports World Cup — in a year especially symbolic for global football fans. Details regarding the format, qualifiers, and point distribution will be announced in the coming months.

One thing, however, is already clear — the Esports World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest competitive events in esports history, bringing Fortnite, Rocket League, and the global scene together for a new era of elite competition. In total, it is 24 games that are planned to be played throughout the whole competition.