Every year, winners of national qualifier events around the world earned the right to represent their country in the ESWC Finals.

[11] The first Electronic Sports World Cup was held in 2003 with a total of 358 participants from 37 countries and a prize purse of €150,000.

*SK-Gaming's, secondary, Danish squad The 2006 event took place at the Palais omnisports de Paris-Bercy and the total prize payout was approximately €300,000.

The disciplines announced were: Counter-Strike (open and female), Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne, Trackmania Nations Forever, Defense of the Ancients and, Quake 3.

[40] Pro Evolution Soccer was not included because the global Konami authority had not given its support to the competition.

The same disciplines took place during this Masters and offered additional qualifying slots for ESWC Grand Final in San Jose.

All winners won a slot to participate in the ESWC Grand Final, and hotel accommodation in San Jose, free of charge.

The 2010 "Electronic Sports World Cup", which took place at Disneyland Paris, featured a €213,500 prize purse.