The 2026 Esports World Cup is doing something that would have been unthinkable two years ago: welcoming crypto companies through the front door. While the VALORANT segment of the tournament plays out in Paris from July 2 to July 12, the bigger story for crypto markets isn’t who’s winning or losing on screen. It’s the regulatory shift happening behind the scenes.
This year’s EWC introduced new rules allowing blockchain and cryptocurrency companies to sponsor events for the first time. Platforms like Coinbase and Bitget are now powering prediction markets tied to tournament outcomes, blurring the line between competitive gaming and crypto trading in a way that could reshape both industries.
What happened on the VALORANT stage
Indonesian esports powerhouse RRQ, formally known as Rex Regum Qeon, saw its tournament run end in 13th-16th place after back-to-back 0-2 losses. The team fell to 100 Thieves on July 2 and was knocked out by EDward Gaming on July 4.
The exit stings a bit more when you consider how RRQ got there. The team earned its spot through the Pacific road-to-EWC qualifier, which included a gutsy 3-2 comeback victory over Gen.G.
