The Esports World Cup 2026 Last Chance Qualifier closed on August 9 with the last four main-event tickets claimed. The full 32-team main-event field is now finalised for the group draw published earlier the same day.
The four LCQ qualifiers
- 100 Thieves — beat 1win 2-0 in the decider (Ancient 16-14, Anubis 13-6). Jack "Gizmy" von Spreckelsen led all playoff qualifiers with a 1.44 rating across the LCQ; Alex "poiii" Nyholm Sundgren posted a 1.31 in the decider. Gustav "gla1ve" Gulmose coaches. First tier-one LAN since 100T re-entered CS at the start of 2026; the run pushes the org to #33 in the VRS.
- BIG — advanced through Group 2 on Day 1, confirmed main-event on Day 3.
- K27 — punched the final German-language ticket alongside BIG.
- JiJieHao — completes the 32-team lineup out of the Asian bracket.
Notable eliminations
- BC.Game (s1mple) — knocked out by 100T in the round of 16 despite s1mple's 1.34 series rating. See our full recap.
- Team Liquid — 2-1 loss to 1win. Second straight LAN-elimination loss after the Betclic 3-0 sweep at Stake Pulse Beat I.
- fnatic — beat HEROIC in a Sunday playoff but couldn't clear the final qualifier; edged out of main event.
- HEROIC — lost to fnatic in the ro16, out.
What comes next
The EWC main event kicks off Tuesday, August 12 with double-elimination group stage. All 32 teams and full group breakdown are in our separate Groups Revealed article. Playoffs run August 19-23, best-of-five grand final on Sunday.
