#Paris #France #Esports World Cup #Trackmania #AG.AL

AG.AL Wins the Esports World Cup 2026 Club Championship

In a groundbreaking conclusion to the Esports World Cup 2026, AG.AL has been crowned the Club Champion after a thrilling seven-week competition held in the picturesque city of Paris, France. Amidst fierce rivalry, over 2,000 players representing 200 clubs and hailing from more than 100 countries battled across 25 tournaments and 24 different games, culminating in a historic prize pool of $75 million.

The defining moment came when AG.AL secured the coveted title with a total of 5,300 points. This remarkable achievement was highlighted by an exhilarating victory in Trackmania, alongside impressive performances in other games such as TEKKEN 8, where AG.AL took first place, as well as notable finishes in Chess, Free Fire, and Teamfight Tactics. With Team Falcons trailing in second place with 4,600 points, and Team Vitality third with 3,300, the road to the championship was anything but easy.

The excitement peaked during the final weekend, where Gwendal “Gwen” Duparc of AG.AL emerged victorious in the inaugural Trackmania tournament, overcoming the defending champions, Team Falcons. Gwen’s remarkable performance solidified AG.AL’s place in esports history, affording the team the $130,000 tournament prize and the overall Club Championship.

“I am incredibly proud of what the Esports World Cup has accomplished in Paris,” remarked HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan al Saud, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Esports Foundation. The successful hosting of the event marks a significant milestone, not only for the Esports Foundation but for the global recognition of esports as a legitimate industry, bridging cultures and communities worldwide.

The array of talent showcased during the tournament was astounding. Caliste “Caliste” Henry-Hennebert of Karmine Corp enchanted local fans with a remarkable journey to the League of Legends Grand Final in front of a home crowd. Additionally, 15-year-old Jaime “Craime” Bustos made history as the youngest EWC champion, enhancing the event’s legacy. The momentum continued with M. Zubair claiming the TEKKEN 8 championship and Samy “dralii” Hajji making history as the first ever three-time champion in Rocket League.

The Esports World Cup 2026 set new records, reaching an astounding 850 million viewers worldwide and generating 440 million hours of watch time, marking a 13% and 26% increase year-on-year respectively. The event’s popularity was evident with ticket sales soaring to 175,000, representing a 94% rise compared to the previous year. The total visits recorded across venue activities and fan festivals surpassed 2 million, indicating the vibrant interest in esports.

More than 1.5 million players participated in the lead-up to this championship through 330 Road to EWC events, creating a season packed with excitement that clubs, players, and fans followed eagerly from the initial qualifying rounds to the final trophy presentation.

Reflecting on AG.AL's journey, Eddy Chen, the club’s COO, expressed pride and gratitude. “Our vision to establish AG.AL as a club capable of succeeding across various regions and games is reflected in this title. It is a tribute to every player, coach, and staff member,” he stated, acknowledging the collective effort that led to this historic moment.

The success of the Esports World Cup 2026 in Paris paves the way for future events. Following this monumental competition, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Esports Foundation and the French Ministry of Sports will encourage long-term initiatives around youth development and esports participation.

As the Esports World Cup prepares to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027, the legacy of the Paris edition will undoubtedly inspire the next chapters of global competitive gaming. With new champions crowned and records shattered, Paris stands as a pivotal point in esports history, solidifying its reputation as a host for future grand events.