Four players to watch during Week 2 of the Esports World Cup 2026

Some players arrive in Paris carrying championship expectations. Others are looking to revive legendary careers or confirm they belong among esports' elite.

These are four competitors who could leave the biggest mark on Week 2.

Inspired, LYON – League of Legends

Western League of Legends has spent years searching for players capable of consistently challenging the dominance of Korea and China.

Inspired has quietly become one of the few who fits that description.

The Polish jungler has built a reputation for elevating every roster he joins, combining intelligent pathing with a calm decision-making style that has made him one of Europe's most reliable stars.

After LYON's impressive MSI campaign, the Esports World Cup offers another opportunity to show the gap between East and West may not be as wide as many believe.

SumaiL, Nigma Galaxy – Dota 2

Very few esports careers have followed a path quite like SumaiL's.

A teenage world champion before most players had even reached the professional scene, he has spent the past decade trying to recreate the heights that made him one of Dota 2's first global superstars.

His reunion with Nigma Galaxy has injected fresh life into both player and organisation.

If that resurgence continues in Paris, Week 2 could become another memorable chapter in one of esports' most fascinating careers.

Vivian, Team Vitality – MLBB Women's International

Great teams often have one player who makes everything work.

For Team Vitality, that player is Vivian.

While teammates frequently grab the headlines with spectacular plays, Vivian's leadership and ability to dictate the pace of games have been central to one of the most successful rosters women's esports has produced.

As Vitality chase another international title, all eyes will once again be on the player responsible for holding the team together.

Rasyah, EVOS Divine – Free Fire

Pressure rarely sits comfortably on young athletes.

Rasyah appears to thrive on it.

Already an Esports World Cup champion and MVP despite still being in his teens, the Indonesian star enters this year's tournament carrying the expectations that come with being one of Free Fire's biggest names.

Defending a title is often harder than winning it, but if EVOS Divine are to repeat last year's success, Rasyah will almost certainly be the player leading the charge.