For decades, the fighting game community ran its own tourneys, raising its own prize money and marketing its own events. But as always happens when millionaires see opportunity to make even money, corporations finally realized what esports could do for them. Now we get events such as the SNK World Championship, a tourney with a total prize pool of $4.1 million.
SWC 2026 will feature four SNK fighting titles: FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves, THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV, SAMURAI SHODOWN, and ART OF FIGHTING 3: The Path of the Warrior. Qualifying tournaments for SWC 2026 kick off on January 29, 2026, at Frosty Faustings XVIII, eventually leading to the Grand Finals later this year.
Players who win in the qualifying tournaments, held sequentially from January 29, 2026, will earn their place in the Grand Finals. Players will earn points based on rank and placement achieved in each qualifying tournament (excluding LCQ). Those with the highest total points will qualify for the main tournament. All points earned will also be converted into prize money at a rate of 1 point = 1 USD and awarded at a later date. For FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves (perhaps best known as the game with soccer star Ronaldo and DJ Salvatore Ganacci in it), online qualifying tournaments will be held across nine global regions. Winners will receive both qualification slots and points.
A prize pool this large may help with a longstanding FGC issue. The best players often don't venture too far from their comfort zones. Fighting games are already niche, SNK's titles are a niche within one. The interesting character selections such as Ronaldo were designed to attract casual players, but made many veterans wonder WTF they were doing over there.