Actual-time technique (RTS) title StarCraft II won’t characteristic on the Esports World Cup (EWC) in 2026, regardless of its look on the multi-title occasion in 2024 and 2025.
Following the reveal of Trackmania as the ultimate title on the 2026 line-up, members of the StarCraft II neighborhood have shared their frustration over its omission.
Because of Trackmania’s inclusion, the 2026 version of the EWC gained’t embrace any RTS title, leaving a big hole in StarCraft II’s event calendar.
“SC2 not on EWC is certainly an enormous blow,” mentioned Korean esports commentator Kim ‘Maddox‘ Min-gyu on social media.
StarCraft II’s presence on the EWC over the previous two years helped fill a void left by different event organisers opting to withdraw from its devoted circuits and tournaments. In April 2025, ESL shut down its Professional Tour, citing monetary causes and the problem of sustaining a large-scale ecosystem for the title.
For some followers, the dearth of StarCraft II and of another RTS title has resulted in them dropping curiosity within the EWC, regardless of the occasion that includes 24 video games spanning throughout an unlimited vary of genres.
“No StarCraft 2 or another RTS, for that matter, implies that I cannot be watching. Unfollowed,” commented one annoyed fan.
Whereas many are dissatisfied with StarCraft II’s elimination from the EWC, some members of the neighborhood consider its absence might finally profit the grassroots scene.
“No StarCraft II at EWC this yr is hard, however it’s actually not a devastating blow,” mentioned RTS content material creator uThermal. “EWC did numerous injury by pushing different tournaments out and making the whole lot about only one event. Hopefully, now we will develop the neighborhood and grassroots tournaments extra.”
What’s Subsequent for StarCraft II Esports?
StarCraft II’s 2026 season is in full swing, with a number of event organisers set to host occasions over the following six months. The following high-profile occasion is Rongyi Cup S3 happening in Shanghai, China.
The competitors will that includes 16 of the most effective gamers on the planet battling throughout on-line and offline matches for a share of a ¥150,000 CNY (~£15,988) prize pool.
Whereas StarCraft II’s omission from the Esports World Cup is irritating for a scene already brief on large-scale worldwide tournaments, there’s a possibility for community-driven initiatives to proceed supporting one of many longest-standing esports titles in historical past.
