The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 has concluded its fifth week, bringing forth three new champions in the realms of TEKKEN 8, Honor of Kings, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. This week was filled with captivating stories, from successful title defenses to remarkable underdog victories, as each competition unfolded uniquely on the path to the championship podium.
OpTic Gaming Retains Its Crown
OpTic Gaming achieved a remarkable feat by defending their title in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 at the EWC 2026. They faced off against Team Heretics in the Grand Final, emerging victorious with a score of 5-3. This victory marks OpTic's second consecutive championship in the EWC for this game, making it even more special as they had previously fallen short at the Call of Duty League Finals held in Las Vegas.
In Paris, OpTic showcased their resilience and consistent performance, ultimately sealing their victory in the Grand Final. Alongside the team's triumph, Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro was honored as the MVP of the EWC, earning this accolade for the second time in a row. This achievement further solidifies Shotzzy's status as one of the most accomplished players on the OpTic roster.
Kuaishou Gaming's Dramatic Victory
The competition in the Honor of Kings World Cup (KWC) 2026 was intense, with Kuaishou Gaming (KSG) emerging as champions after a lengthy battle against AG.AL at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The Grand Final required KSG to play through seven games, culminating in a suspenseful victory over AG.AL, who were the reigning champions and enjoyed strong support from the audience.
Despite the pressure, KSG maintained their focus, and the match concluded with a blind draft in the seventh game. Their calm demeanor under pressure allowed them to secure the championship title, marking a new chapter in the competitive landscape of Honor of Kings among Chinese teams on the global stage.
M. Zubair's Underdog Story
In a stunning turn of events, Khawaja “M. Zubair” from AG.AL claimed the title in TEKKEN 8 at the EWC 2026, defeating South Korean player Yoon “LowHigh” Sun-woong with an impressive score of 5-0 in the Grand Final. This victory was particularly surprising as Zubair was not widely regarded as a top contender prior to the tournament.
He had to fight his way through the Last Chance Qualifier (LCQ) to earn his spot in the main event. Once he qualified, Zubair delivered a stellar performance throughout the tournament. A highlight of his journey was defeating Arslan Ash, the EVO 2026 champion, twice—once in a shocking upset and again in a dramatic semifinal match where he executed a reverse sweep to secure his place in the finals.
Reflections on EWC 2026
The three champions crowned during Week 5 illustrate the diverse narratives within the Esports World Cup 2026. OpTic Gaming's consistency in retaining their Call of Duty title, Kuaishou Gaming’s thrilling conquest over AG.AL, and M. Zubair's transformation from LCQ participant to TEKKEN 8 world champion showcase the depth of talent and competitive spirit present in esports today.
As EWC 2026 continues, it not only brings together the best esports teams globally but also provides a platform for players and teams to carve out their own legacies on the world stage.
Source: https://www.esports.id/read/rekap-hasil-ewc-2026-3-juara-lahir-di-pekan-kelima-19253
