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Counter-Strike 2 has officially been announced as the first esports title for the Esports World Cup 2027, setting the stage for another major showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event is locked in for 16 July to 1 August 2027, with CS2 once again headlining as one of the flagship competitions.

The confirmation came on 16 September 2025, nearly two years ahead of time. That’s no coincidence either. Under Valve’s rules, organisers of top-tier Counter-Strike tournaments must announce their events at least two years before they begin. This helps prevent clashes with other majors and ensures teams have plenty of time to prepare their schedules.

It’s worth noting that 2026 won’t be without action. Riyadh is already lined up to host the Esports Nations Cup that year, a new tournament where players represent their countries rather than organisations. You can read more about it in our breakdown here: EWC Announces Esports Nations Cup – Tournament Where Players Represent Their Countries.

Counter-Strike’s ongoing legacy

Counter-Strike has been at the heart of competitive gaming for decades. CS:GO dominated the scene for over ten years, and Counter-Strike 2 has carried that legacy forward with modern updates while keeping the same competitive edge. Its inclusion in every Esports World Cup so far shows just how central the franchise is to the esports ecosystem.

The 2025 Esports World Cup saw CS2 reach over 730,000 peak viewers, making it one of the year’s most-watched tournaments. Across all games, the event recorded more than 750 million total viewers, with The MongolZ lifting their first major CS2 trophy and Team Falcons topping the club standings.

What to expect in 2027

The Esports World Cup has steadily grown since it launched in 2024 as part of Saudi Arabia’s push to position Riyadh as a global esports hub. Prize pools have ballooned, formats have expanded, and international participation has surged. In 2025 alone, more than $70 million was handed out across 24 titles, and 2027 is expected to exceed $80 million.

The 2027 edition will also run alongside the first-ever Olympic Esports Games, supported by the International Olympic Committee. While details are still scarce, the addition of a global, country-representative esports competition hints at a landmark year for competitive gaming.

Looking ahead

With Counter-Strike 2 confirmed as the opening act, anticipation for the Esports World Cup 2027 is already building. Rosters, prize pools, and formats are still to come, but one thing is certain: CS2 will once again be front and centre when the world’s best teams gather in Riyadh.