Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam's GAM Esports will represent the country at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026, competing in League of Legends and PUBG: Battlegrounds, the Vietnam Recreational and Electronic Sports Association (VIRESA) announced on July 3.
The tournament will take place in Paris, France, from July 6 to August 23, bringing together more than 2,000 players, 200 clubs, and participants from over 100 countries and territories to compete for a total prize pool of 75 million USD.
As esports continues to gain recognition as a key component of the digital sports economy, Vietnam's participation in EWC 2026 reflects the country's growing presence on the global esports stage while showcasing a dynamic, innovative Vietnam ready to compete at the highest international level.
League of Legends and PUBG: Battlegrounds are among the world's most competitive esports titles, featuring many of the industry's leading teams and players. Vietnam's continued participation in these events demonstrates the steady progress made by its esports ecosystem through years of international competition, talent development and professional growth.
Ahead of the tournament, GAM Esports also unveiled its 2026 team jersey under the theme "RISE REBORN," reinforcing its commitment to building a professional image for Vietnamese esports clubs on the international stage. The design incorporates iconic Vietnamese cultural symbols, including the Lac bird, Dong Son bronze drum motifs and the yellow star, highlighting national identity and illustrating how esports can serve as a platform for promoting Vietnamese culture to global audiences.
VIRESA Secretary General Cao Thi Thu Phuong said participation in top-tier international tournaments plays an important role in the development of Vietnam's esports industry. Events such as the Esports World Cup not only provide valuable competitive experience but also enable Vietnamese clubs, players and management teams to gain exposure to international standards in competition, broadcasting, media rights, commercial operations, team management and community building.
She praised the efforts of clubs, athletes, coaches and partners that have helped raise Vietnam's international esports profile, describing the country's participation in EWC 2026 as an encouraging milestone that reflects the industry's growing competitiveness and global integration.
In recent years, Vietnamese esports has achieved notable success at regional, continental and international competitions, including the SEA Games, Asian championships, Asian Games qualifiers and other major global events. Participation in EWC 2026 marks another significant step in that development journey.
Beyond competitive achievements, VIRESA emphasised esports' growing contribution to the digital sports economy, digital content industry, interactive media, event tourism, brand partnerships and youth workforce development. Vietnamese teams competing internationally not only pursue sporting success but also help promote the country's culture, people and creativity to audiences worldwide./.
