Paris hosts the first international edition of the world's biggest esports event, with a record $75 million prize pool up for grabs.

The first international edition of the world's largest esports and gaming event began at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles on Thursday. More than 2,000 professional players and 200 top esports clubs from over 100 countries will compete in 25 events across 24 of the world's most popular games during the EWC, which runs through August 23, for a share of a record-breaking USD 75 million (Rs 716 crore) prize pool. More than 1.5 million players competed in 330 tournaments, publisher leagues, and top international circuits as part of the largest Road to EWC qualification program in history, in order to secure a spot on the biggest esports platform in the world. Cristiano Ronaldo and Magnus Carlsen are the Esports World Cup's Global Ambassadors — two individuals whose football and chess careers exemplify the highest levels of competitive excellence.

The Club Championship is the focal point of the Esports World Cup. It rewards not only star power but also consistency, depth, resilience, and excellence across the entire event, crowning the finest club in the world across several games. The Club Championship standings will award USD 30 million (Rs 286 crore) from the record-breaking USD 75 million (Rs 716 crore) prize pool. Competitive gaming has always had amazing players, amazing games, and legendary champions. Every year, the Esports World Cup unites them on a single, pivotal stage. Each championship crowns its own winner over the seven weeks in Paris, but every outcome also plays a part in the larger race for the Club Championship.