A New Season of Global Guessing Begins
GeoGuessr is gearing up for its biggest competitive year yet, unveiling a full roadmap for the 2026 esports season. Running from January through to September, the circuit will build toward the GeoGuessr World Championship 2026, set to take place from 2 to 5 September in Berlin, Germany.
This year’s format is built around three major components: the World League, the mid year Play Ins, and the live World Finals. With a revamped league system, a group stage returning for finals, and a festival sized event planned in Berlin, the season already has fans buzzing.
World League Kicks Off in January
Beginning 18 January, the 2026 World League is split into three regions, APAC, Americas, and EMEA. Players will only compete within their own region, with each division eventually crowning a regional champion.
The World League lineup will feature 22 returning players from last season, joined by 22 competitors who advanced from the 2025 qualifiers. One of the biggest changes this year is the competition structure. Instead of using a round robin format, the World League will shift to a Swiss system, creating fresh weekly matchups and a more dynamic viewing experience.
Points earned throughout the season will determine which 16 players qualify directly for the World Finals, while others will fight for their place through the Play Ins.
Play Ins Offer a Last Shot at Berlin
Taking place in June, the Play Ins serve as a final qualification stage for anyone who fell short in the World League. Unlike the regional league, this stage mixes players from all regions, raising the stakes as they compete for the remaining spots in September’s World Finals.
For many competitors, this will be the last chance to secure a place on the main stage in Berlin, adding extra pressure and excitement to the mid season race.
Berlin’s Tempodrom Hosts the 2026 World Championship
The 2026 GeoGuessr World Championship will be held at the Tempodrom, a venue in Berlin that seats up to 3,500 people. The location has already sparked hype across the community, with fans celebrating the return of a group stage and the chance to cheer on their favourite players in person.
GeoGuessr confirmed that the World Finals are more than a tournament. The season ending event will also feature workshops, community activities, and what the team describes as a festival atmosphere. After breaking viewership records in 2025, the title’s esports scene continues to grow at an impressive pace.
With new partners such as Opera GX supporting the competitive ecosystem and a steadily rising global audience, the 2026 season looks set to push GeoGuessr esports to new heights.
Community Excitement Builds
Fans have already flooded social platforms with excitement, praising the return of group stages, the Swiss format, and the Berlin venue. Many are already planning to attend, and players are preparing for a season that promises more competition, more strategy, and more surprises than ever.
GeoGuessr noted that some details may continue to evolve, but the core roadmap is set. With the season beginning in just a few weeks, the countdown to Berlin has officially begun.