Exciting news for Hearthstone fans as Blizzard rolls out its comprehensive plan for the 2026 esports season. This year promises enhanced competition with a series of brand new tournaments and increased prize money, ensuring a thrilling experience for players and spectators alike. The announcement confirms that the Hearthstone World Championship will again be a highlight at BlizzCon next September.
Expanded Tournament Circuit
Hearthstone is set to grow its Masters Tour Championship circuit, moving from the two tournaments held in 2025 to an impressive three in 2026. Marking a significant addition to the calendar, the Winter Championship is scheduled for debut in April, bringing an additional $50,000 (~£37,365) to the prize pool.
Next year will witness three back-to-back Competitive Seasons, namely Winter, Spring, and Summer, running from January to June. During these periods, competitors will vie for Competitive Points and coveted spots at regional playoffs. Points are awarded based on performance in open qualifiers, with the breakdown as follows:
- Rank 1: 7 points
- Rank 2-5: 6 points
- Rank 6-10: 5 points
- Rank 11-25: 4 points
- Rank 26-50: 3 points
- Rank 51-75: 2 points
- Rank 76-100: 1 point
Additionally, Blizzard introduces the Playoffs Blitz Weekend, a thrilling new competitive format. This weekend event comprises multiple single-elimination open qualifiers, with each winner earning a playoff berth. Details about the first Blitz Weekend are expected to be announced soon.
Hearthstone’s Competitive Scene in 2025
Reflecting on 2025, Hearthstone’s esports season showcased its Spring and Summer championships in June and September, each featuring a $50,000 prize pool. The pinnacle of the season, the World Championship, is currently taking place from December 18th to 21st. Sixteen global competitors are battling online for a share of the $500,000 (~£373,757) prize and the prestigious title of world champion.
2024’s Hearthstone World Champion, mlYanming, aims to maintain the crown following a stellar performance in the Group Stage. The Chinese contender dominated Group B with a 2-0 record, securing a spot in the quarter-finals.
The playoffs on December 21st will decide this year’s champion, setting the stage for an exhilarating 2026 season. Fans won’t miss a moment of the action by tuning into Hearthstone’s Twitch and YouTube channels.