Valorant Esports World Cup 2026 peak viewers fall 45.6%
Valorant Esports World Cup 2026 saw peak viewers drop 45.6% to 246,304 during the Grand Final, down from almost 453,000 in 2025.
The Valorant Esports World Cup 2026 concluded on July 12 in France. Organizers reported a peak concurrent audience of 246,304 for the Grand Final between 100 Thieves and NRG Esports, a 45.6% decrease from the 2025 peak of nearly 453,000.
Total watch time across the broadcast fell 8.2% compared with 2025. The Group Stage used a best-of-three format for every match, which increased overall broadcast hours.
Several high-profile teams did not participate, including Fnatic, Sentinels and Gen.G Esports. Teams with large followings that did compete, such as Karmine Corp and Paper Rex, were eliminated in the Group Stage. Defending champion Team Heretics and French side Gentle Mates were knocked out after losing their first Playoffs matches.
In the Grand Final, 100 Thieves beat NRG Esports 3-1 to win the title and $600,000 from a $2 million prize pool, a 60% rise from the 2025 purse. NRG received $340,000 as runner-up.
Korea’s Nongshim RedForce defeated Turkey’s BBL Esports 2-0 in the Third Place Match to secure $220,000. Nongshim had earlier won Valorant Masters Santiago 2026.
The tournament victory gave 100 Thieves 1,000 Club Championship points and moved NRG to 750 points, placing 100 Thieves atop the club rankings. The event ranked tenth among Valorant events for the year by viewership.
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