Esports World Cup unveils trading cards and Paris collection

MUMBAI: The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 has unveiled its first official trading card collection alongside a Paris-inspired apparel line and limited-edition Player Jackets, bringing established sports memorabilia traditions into competitive gaming.

The launches coincide with the first international edition of the EWC in Paris, where more than 2,000 players representing 200 Clubs from over 100 countries are competing across seven weeks.

Developed through a multi-year partnership with Kolex, the inaugural EWC Trading Card Collection celebrates players and Clubs from EWC 2025 while establishing an annual record of the tournament.

The collection spans six categories: Legends, MVPs, Rookies, Centurions, Prestige, and the one-of-one Elite and Chronicles cards. The first 100 cards of each base card are individually numbered and come with a digital twin.

Some limited cards will also be determined by performances during the tournament, allowing competition results to influence the collection as the event progresses.

Each card features a QR code that connects the physical collectible to a digital twin through the Kolex app. Fans can scan cards to earn points, compete on global leaderboards and unlock rewards.

The collection will be available through the official EWC online store, the EWC Fan Fest in Paris and Kolex’s online platform.

The EWC26 Paris Collection draws on French visual heritage, particularly the traditional Toile de Jouy decorative style. The designs incorporate elements including the EWC Trophy and Eiffel Tower into the patterns, creating a Paris-themed interpretation of the tournament.

Alongside the collection, EWC has introduced a capsule line focused on contemporary silhouettes, tailoring and premium materials, reflecting the growing overlap between esports, sport, fashion and entertainment.

The EWC Player’s Jacket, created in partnership with Berlin-based menswear brand AKOG Hotel, returns for the 2026 edition.

First introduced in 2024 as an exclusive item for players qualifying for the EWC, the jacket has become a symbol of achievement among professional players. The 2026 edition features the EWC’s “Rise Above” motto, a Paris patch and a hidden inscription connecting the wearer to the championship trophy.

The Player’s Jacket was made available to the public for the first time in 2025 following fan demand. For 2026, EWC will release a second public edition in a limited-edition colourway.

A separate tribute edition of 40 units will also be released during the event, giving fans an opportunity to own a version inspired by the jacket worn by EWC players.

The EWC26 Paris Collection is available through the official EWC store and at the EWC 2026 Fan Fest, with additional limited-edition drops planned throughout the tournament’s seven-week run in Paris.