Get ready, racing fans! The Esports World Cup (EWC) is revving its engines, and the arcade racing game Trackmania is joining the lineup for the highly anticipated 2026 event. This announcement promises high-octane action and a thrilling competition for players worldwide.
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has sealed a multi-year deal with Ubisoft Nadeo, solidifying Trackmania's place in this prestigious event.
The debut of Trackmania at the EWC, announced on January 19th, 2026, will see 32 skilled players battling it out for a staggering $500,000 prize pool (approximately £372,937). Before the main event, aspiring racers can test their mettle in an open in-game qualifier using the game's built-in system. Keep an eye out for more details about the qualifier, set to be unveiled on January 26th, coinciding with a Trackmania update.
But here's where it gets interesting: Trackmania is the sole racing game featured at the multi-title event. For the first time since 2024, the sim racing title RENNSPORT will not be part of the EWC's extensive list of tournaments. Is this a sign of shifting trends in esports, or simply a strategic decision?
Fabian Scheuermann, Chief Games Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, highlighted the core appeal of Trackmania: "Trackmania has always been one of gaming’s purest level playing fields: same car, same track, no RNG – it is all about precision, memory, and nerve." He added that the collaboration with Ubisoft Nadeo aims to connect players of all levels, from casual gamers to seasoned pros, culminating in a world final that captures the drama and excitement of the sport.
Trackmania has a rich history in esports, gracing various events over the past two decades. It was a fixture at the Electronic Sports World Cup (ESWC), organized by Games-Services from 2006 to 2015. The latest Trackmania World Tour season concluded in November 2025, with Solary emerging as the champion.
The Full EWC 2026 Lineup
With Trackmania confirmed, the EWC 2026 will feature a total of 24 titles, spanning a diverse range of genres. Here's the complete list:
- Apex Legends
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Chess
- Counter-Strike 2
- Crossfire
- Dota 2
- EA Sports FC 26
- FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves
- Fortnite
- Free Fire
- Honor of Kings
- League of Legends
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
- Overwatch 2
- PUBG: Battlegrounds
- PUBG Mobile
- Rocket League
- Street Fighter 6
- Tekken 8
- Rainbow Six Siege X
- Teamfight Tactics
- Trackmania
- VALORANT
What do you think about Trackmania's inclusion in the EWC? Does this signal a new era for racing games in esports? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
