The Esports Foundation has introduced two new collectibles for the Esports World Cup 2026 (EWC 2026) in Paris: a Paris-inspired apparel line and the event’s first official trading card collection. These are meant to give players and fans new ways to connect with the tournament while building traditions around esports culture.
The Esports World Cup 2026 runs from July 6 to August 23 in Paris and brings together more than 2,000 players, 200 Clubs, and fans from over 100 countries across seven weeks of competition. The new apparel and cards reflect its broader effort to create symbols that can outlast the event itself, much like the iconic merchandise associated with major global sporting events.
Paris-Inspired Apparel
The EWC26 Paris Collection draws on France’s Toile de Jouy decorative tradition and reimagines it with Esports World Cup imagery. The pattern includes the EWC Trophy and the Eiffel Tower, linking the tournament to its host city in a way that is both ceremonial and contemporary.
A second line, the EWC26 Capsule Collection, focuses on lifestyle apparel inspired by how professional players, creators, and Club executives move between travel, work, competition, and public appearances.
The latest edition of the EWC Player’s Jacket is created with Berlin-based menswear brand AKOG Hotel, also known as A Kind of Guise. The jacket, first introduced in 2024, is reserved for players who qualify for the event and has become a marker of excellence in esports. For 2026, the jacket includes the “Rise Above” motto, a Paris patch marking where it was earned, and a hidden inscription that connects the wearer to the championship trophy.
The jacket was released to the public for the first time in 2025 after strong fan demand, which grew further after Cristiano Ronaldo was seen wearing it. For 2026, the Esports Foundation is releasing its second public edition of the jacket in a limited colorway. The EWC26 Paris Collection is available at the official online store and at EWC 2026 Fan Fest, with additional drops planned throughout the tournament.
Trading Cards for Esports Fans
The new trading card collection is the EWC’s first official set and highlights the standout players and Clubs from EWC 2025. It also serves as an annual record of the tournament’s biggest names and moments. Unlike esports events centered on a single game, the EWC spans multiple titles, and the trading card set reflects that scale by featuring competitors from across the competition alongside the Clubs they represent.
The cards are designed to bridge physical and digital collecting. Each card includes a QR code that unlocks a digital twin in the Kolex app. Fans can scan cards, earn points, compete on global leaderboards, and unlock rewards as the event unfolds. The collection is meant to turn memorable performances into lasting collectibles that become part of the tournament’s legacy.
The trading card collection will be sold through the official online store, at the EWC Fan Fest in Paris, and through Kolex.com. Tickets for EWC 2026 can be bought here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What new products did the Esports Foundation announce for EWC 2026?
A: It announced the EWC26 Paris apparel collection and the event’s first official trading card collection.
Q: When and where is EWC 2026 taking place?
A: The tournament runs from July 6 to August 23 in Paris.
Q: What inspired the Paris apparel collection?
A: The collection draws from France’s Toile de Jouy tradition and includes the EWC Trophy and Eiffel Tower in its design.
Q: What makes the EWC Player’s Jacket special?
A: It is awarded only to qualifying players, includes the “Rise Above” motto and a Paris patch, and has become a symbol of excellence.
Q: How do the trading cards connect to the Kolex app?
A: Each card has a QR code that unlocks a digital twin in the Kolex app, allowing fans to collect digitally, earn points, and compete on leaderboards.