$500,000 on the Line: WEC26 Prize Pool Announced

The International Esports Federation has confirmed a total prize pool of USD 500,000 for the 18th World Esports Championship (WEC26), taking place from 15 to 20 December 2026 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE), BSD City, in Banten, Indonesia.

The prize pool will be shared across all seven competitions: Counter-Strike 2 Open, Counter-Strike 2 Women, Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Open, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women, PUBG Mobile and eFootball™. 

More than 160 national teams and over 400 athletes from 101 nations will compete. Some arrive as established stars, many arrive having never played on an international stage.

What a Prize Can Change

For a top professional team, prize money can be a well-earned reward. For a national team from an emerging esports nation, it can be a turning point. A podium finish in Banten could fund a season of training, coaching, travel to regional qualifiers, or the equipment a grassroots programme back home has been waiting for. For some athletes, it will be the first prize they've earned in their nation's colours. 

The Reward Behind the Reward

While the Prize Pool is often at the core of ambitions, money is not the only thing on the line. At WEC, athletes compete for their nation. Standing on the podium, with the national flag behind them, is an honour that money can't buy. 

IESF President Vlad Marinescu said: "Every athlete in Banten has fought through national and regional qualifiers to be there. This prize pool rewards that effort, and we've designed it to reach as many competitions as possible. But ask any champion what stays with them, and it's rarely the cheque - it's the roar of the fans over the anthem, and the collective celebration of a nation."

With rosters confirmed and flight tickets being issued, the countdown to Banten is on. Seven competitions for USD 500,000 and just six days to decide it all.

For more information on the World Esports Championship 2026 visit https://iesf.org/events/wec-2026.