Hearthstone Esports is gearing up for one of its biggest years yet. Blizzard Entertainment has officially unveiled its full plans for the 2026 competitive season, promising more tournaments, higher prize pools, and a clearer path from ranked ladder to the world stage.
Hearthstone Esports is going big in 2026!
With an extra Masters Tour, more ways to qualify and a live World Championship at Blizzcon, it’s going to be an exciting year.
For details on how to watch and compete next year, read our 2026 Esports Blog here: https://t.co/PzwJneOW7P pic.twitter.com/8MMCI85sms
— Hearthstone (@PlayHearthstone) December 18, 2025
After a strong showing in 2025, the return of Hearthstone esports in 2026 is shaping up to be faster paced, more accessible, and more rewarding for players at every level.
Three Masters Tour Championships in 2026
The headline change for 2026 is the expansion of the Masters Tour Championship circuit. Instead of two events, there will now be three, thanks to the introduction of the Winter Championship.
That addition brings an extra $50,000 to the overall prize pool, with each Masters Tour Championship offering $50,000 in prize money. Blizzard confirmed the three events will take place across the Winter, Spring, and Summer competitive seasons, giving players more chances to reach the top.
Competitive Seasons Run Back to Back
Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment
- Winter, January to February
- Spring, March to April
- Summer, May to June
Each season includes its own Playoffs and a Masters Tour Championship. Players can qualify by earning Competitive Points through ranked ladder play or by competing in Open Qualifier tournaments, similar to the 2025 format.
Image Credit: Blizzard Entertainment
Competitive Points are awarded based on finishing position in qualifiers, with Rank 1 earning seven points, scaling down to one point for players finishing between 76th and 100th place.
Playoffs Blitz Weekend Debuts
Each Blitz Weekend tournament awards a direct Playoffs spot to the winner, offering a faster, more intense qualification route. Blizzard says this format is designed for players who want serious competition without committing a full day to traditional Swiss style qualifiers.
More Emphasis on Playoffs in 2026
All three Seasonal Playoffs will also be officially broadcast, ensuring year round Hearthstone Esports coverage for fans watching from home.
Updated Masters Tour Qualification System
Qualification for Masters Tour Championships is also changing. Each season, the top four players from APAC, EMEA, and the Americas will qualify, up from just two per region in 2025.
In addition, the top Competitive Point earner from each region, plus the top global point earner, will also secure a spot. The top three players at every Masters Tour Championship advance to the World Championship, meaning each event will now include a third place match with major stakes on the line.
Hearthstone World Championship Returns at BlizzCon
Sixteen players will compete for a massive $500,000 USD prize pool, with the champion crowned on Sunday, September 13.
The World Championship lineup will include:
- Nine players from the top three finishers at each Masters Tour Championship
- Four players from China’s competitive system
- Three players from the global Competitive Point leaderboard
Whether fans attend in person or tune in online, Blizzard is promising an unforgettable finale to the 2026 season.
A Packed Year Ahead for Hearthstone Esports
With the first Competitive Season starting in January, players will not have long to wait before the action begins. Blizzard encourages competitors and fans alike to stay tuned to official social channels and the Hearthstone Esports Discord for Open Qualifier details and rule updates.
Hearthstone Esports in 2026 looks bigger, busier, and more ambitious than ever, and the road to BlizzCon is officially open.