Counter-Strike 2 confirmed as first title for Esports World Cup 2027

Despite being nearly two years away, Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) has become the first esports title to be announced for the Esports World Cup 2027.

Announced on September 16th, 2025, the CS2 event will take place from July 16th to August 1st, 2027.

Since 2024, the Esports World Cup has taken place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with CS2 and other esports titles hosting several tournaments featuring some of the most recognisable organisations in the world.

The confirmation of CS2 at the Esports World Cup 2027 adheres to Valve’s tournament operation requirements. Per the rules, tournament organisers are required to reveal their announcement date at least two years before the start of the main event.

The Esports World Cup becomes the latest event to unveil dates for its 2027 competitions. In July, BLAST shared dates for its 2027 BLAST Premier seasons with six events taking place between January and November. The Esports World Cup doesn’t clash with any BLAST Premier events.

Alongside the Esports World Cup, the Esports World Cup Foundation will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2027. Information surrounding the event, backed by the International Olympic Committee, has yet to be revealed.

Counter-Strike has featured at every edition of the Esports World Cup and is set to hold its place as one of the event’s flagship tournaments.

The 2025 tournament recorded peak viewing figures of over 730,000 viewers, making it the tenth most-watched CS2 event of the year so far.

The Esports World Cup is operated by the Esports World Cup Foundation, an initiative backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Due to the initiative’s ties to the country’s government, the event continues to attract criticism from sections of the esports community largely due to Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.