EWC 2026 CS2: Favorites, Underdogs, and Full Team List

The Esports World Cup 2026 opens the Singapore Major season, placing 32 CS2 teams into a high-stakes battle for VRS points and early momentum. Team Falcons arrive as the reigning Cologne Major champions, but their grip on the top spot is far from secure. Vitality, Spirit, and FURIA each have their own reasons to believe they can lift the trophy in Riyadh, while underdogs like 9z, Aurora, and FUT are ready to rewrite the script.

With roster changes sweeping through the scene and the event acting as a season opener, the EWC 2026 will immediately test which teams have found the right formula. The group stage format—double-elimination with Bo1 openers—favors aggressive preparation and deep map pools, making early upsets more likely.

Favorites and Underdogs at EWC 2026

Team Falcons broke their trophy curse at the Cologne Major, finally converting their deep runs into a championship. Under karrigan’s IGL, the roster—featuring NiKo, m0NESY, and ropz—has become a tactical powerhouse. The EWC’s organizational ties to Falcons add extra motivation; they know a win here would cement their dynasty. Team Spirit, runners-up in Cologne, relied on donk’s monstrous stats and surprising consistency from the rest of the lineup. Their late-game tilt in the final is a concern, but they have the firepower to dominate any opponent on a good day. Vitality lost the semifinal to Falcons in Cologne, ending their streak of three consecutive Major finals. The French-Danish core is still elite, and coach XTQZZZ will have them hungry for revenge. FURIA came within a few rounds of the Major trophy, with FalleN playing his best CS in years. His final season as a pro could end with a fairy tale if FURIA’s young firepower clicks.

Below the top tier, the underdog bracket is unusually deep. 9z Team were the Cinderella story of Cologne, surviving three Swiss stages on their way to the playoffs. Their chaotic, high-tempo style is difficult to prepare for. Aurora Gaming achieved the highest placement ever for a Turkish roster at a Major, and they are no longer satisfied with moral victories. FUT Esports won PGL Bucharest earlier this year and followed it up with consistent LAN results. They are a legitimate threat to any favorite in a Bo3 series.

Underdogs with a Chance

9z, Aurora, and FUT are not just warm bodies in the group stage—they are dangerous opponents. 9z’s ability to read opponents on the fly was their signature in Cologne; if they can replicate that, they could reach the quarterfinals again. Aurora’s firepower, led by XANTARES and woxic, gives them a high ceiling, especially on mid-range maps. FUT’s disciplined approach and recent trophy win make them the most complete underdog. Their path to the playoffs will likely go through a group against a top seed, but they have the tools to pull off an upset.

• EWC 2026 main event runs from Aug. 12 to 23, with the LCQ from Aug. 7 to 9.
• All 32 teams are divided into four double-elimination groups, with Bo1 openers and Bo3 thereafter.
• Playoffs feature a single-elimination bracket, with the grand final being a Bo5 and a third-place match included.
• Direct invitations were based on the June VRS leaderboard; four spots are determined by the LCQ.

Roster Changes and the Road Ahead

Several teams have made roster adjustments heading into the EWC, adding an extra layer of uncertainty. While the source doesn’t specify the exact changes, the competitive landscape is shifting. Teams like Natus Vincere, FaZe, G2, and Astralis are all present, but they may be fielding new lineups or integrating fresh faces. The group stage will be a baptism of fire for any experimental rosters. For example, G2 replaced HooXi with a new IGL, while FaZe is reportedly testing a younger player. These changes could take time to gel, but the EWC offers immediate VRS points that could define their season.

The stakes are high: the EWC is the first major event of the Singapore Major season, and the VRS points earned here will shape the race for upcoming Majors. The winner also secures a direct invite to the next EWC, creating a cycle of success. The tournament’s packed schedule—12 days of competition—means endurance and depth will be tested. Teams that can adapt quickly to the Bo1 openers and survive the lower bracket will have a distinct advantage.

The EWC 2026 grand final is scheduled for Aug. 23, and the winner will take home a significant share of the $1 million prize pool. For the underdogs, even a top-eight finish would be a career-defining result, proving they belong on the biggest stage.