League of Legends confirmed as an event at EWC 2027
League of Legends will return to the Esports World Cup in 2027 as per an announcement made during the Worlds 2026 finals on Nov. 14.
The announcement, a trailer positioned after the reveal of League of Legends dramatic update/sequel, League of Legends New Dawn, confirmed that LoL will return to the Esport Foundation-backed event next year.
League of Legends returns at EWC 2027
League of Legends has been a part of the EWC since 2024, and returns for the event’s fourth iteration in 2027.
In 2026, Dplus emerged victorious from the $2,025,000 prize pool event, defeating Karmine Corp, Gen.G, and new world champions Bilibili Gamings along the way.
However, all editions of the event have faced criticism due to the organizer, the Esports Federation, and the event’s overall links to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and that nation’s poor record on human rights.
At the time of writing, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is the expected host of the Esports World Cup 2027. In 2026, due to on-going conflicts in the Arabian Gulf region, EWC 2026, originally scheduled to take place in Riyadh, was moved to Paris, France.
Since then, the situation in the Gulf has failed to stabilize, with attacks and strikes affecting Saudi Arabia and even Riyadh’s major international airport.
Still, some events in the city have continued despite the danger to residents and visitors to Riyadh. In October, the World Petroleum Congress did not amend its dates despite a recent attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, instead telling visitors to use alternative arrangements, directing them to utilize a four hour drive from Dammam as an alternative travel method.
On Nov. 7, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) held its annual Crown Jewel event in Riyadh with enhanced precautions and concessions. Contractors for the event were reportedly offered $3,000 in hazard pay to take the one-day trip for the event. Some senior staff, such as commentators, worked the event remotely. Riyadh was subsequently hit with strikes on Nov. 8, the day after the event, with some WWE personnel still on site.
As a result, despite announcements around multiple games at the EWC landing this month, the location and future of the EWC 2027 remains speculative at best.
