Esports
Magnus Carlsen, Faker and the biggest stars competing at the Esports World Cup 2026
The Esports World Cup has rapidly established itself as the blue-riband event of competitive gaming.
Bringing together more than 2,000 players from over 200 clubs, representing around 100 countries, the seven-week festival is the one tournament every esports star wants on their résumé. With a record-breaking prize pool of more than $75 million and world titles spread across 24 different games, nowhere else in esports brings together so many elite competitors under one roof.
The result is a remarkable collection of talent. From a chess grandmaster widely considered the greatest of all time, to the defining player in League of Legends history, these are five of the biggest stars competing at the Esports World Cup 2026.
Magnus Carlsen (Chess)
Few competitors arrive in Paris with greater stature than Magnus Carlsen.
For more than 15 years, the Norwegian has presided over world chess as its undisputed kingpin. More than a champion, Carlsen has become the face of the game itself - as synonymous with chess as Lionel Messi is with football and Michael Jordan is with basketball.His move into esports has only broadened that influence. Representing Team Liquid, Carlsen returns to the Esports World Cup after winning the inaugural chess title in 2025, bringing one of the world's oldest games onto one of its newest stages.
Faker (League of Legends)
Every sport has its defining figure. League of Legends has Faker.
While generations of players have come and gone, the South Korean has remained the constant at the top of the game, collecting world titles with T1 and producing defining moments for more than a decade. Longevity is rare in esports; sustained excellence rarer still. Faker has managed both.
Now in his 30s, every international tournament carries another opportunity to add to a legacy many already consider untouchable. For League of Legends fans, his matches remain essential viewing.
ZywOo (Counter-Strike 2)
Counter-Strike has never been short of superstars, but few have maintained the remarkable consistency of Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut.
The Frenchman has spent years establishing himself among the very best players in the world, combining extraordinary mechanical skill with an almost effortless ability to dictate matches against elite opposition.
Competing on home soil in Paris only adds to the intrigue. If Counter-Strike produces one of the defining moments of the Esports World Cup, few would be surprised if ZywOo is at the centre of it.
KarlTzy (Mobile Legends: Bang Bang)
Karl "KarlTzy" Nepomuceno has become one of the defining names in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
The Filipino star has built his reputation on fearless decision-making and exceptional mechanical ability, helping establish himself as one of the game's most decorated competitors.
With Mobile Legends continuing to attract huge audiences across Southeast Asia and beyond, KarlTzy arrives at the Esports World Cup carrying the expectations of one of the event's largest fanbases.
YiNuo (Honor of Kings)
Honor of Kings is one of the biggest games in the world, and YiNuo has emerged as one of its brightest stars.
Representing the highest level of a title watched by millions, the Chinese player has earned a reputation as one of the most gifted talents in the professional scene.
As Honor of Kings continues its international expansion, YiNuo has the opportunity to introduce himself to an even wider audience on esports' biggest stage.
Watch the Esports World Cup 2026 on DAZN
Fans can watch the Esports World Cup 2026 live and for free on DAZN throughout the seven-week competition.
Coverage is available globally, excluding China, South Korea, the CIS region, Ukraine, Malaysia, Hungary and Finland. Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 are also unavailable in Peru.
The Esports World Cup can be streamed through the DAZN app on smart TVs, smartphones, tablets and gaming consoles, or by visiting DAZN.com through any web browser.
