Mumbai, June 18: S8UL Esports, a global name in esports and gaming content, has secured representation in its fifth title at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 after all three of its Trackmania athletes advanced through their respective regional open qualifiers. United Kingdom’s Alexander Page (Whizzy), the USA’s Neal Kamdar (Neal), and India’s Kunal Upreti (Spark) will represent the organization in Trackmania’s EWC debut, with Spark emerging as the sole Indian competitor in the field.
Trackmania is widely regarded as one of the world’s most unique and skill-intensive racing esports titles, challenging players to navigate custom-built tracks filled with jumps, loops, drifts, and technical corners. At EWC 2026, the title will feature 32 of the world’s top competitors battling for a prize pool of USD 500,000 (~INR 4.7 crore) from August 19 to 22.
The Open Qualifiers served as an alternative pathway to EWC 2026, offering a limited number of places across each region through a cup-mode double-elimination tournament. Players with Elite Cup Ranking points were seeded directly into the playoff bracket, while the remaining competitors battled through a Time Attack stage to determine seeding. The playoffs featured four-player double-elimination matches, with only the top performers from each region advancing to the main event.
Widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading Trackmania talents, Whizzy received direct playoff seeding through his Elite Cup Ranking in the European qualifier, which featured 41 players competing for six EWC berths. The 24-year-old has been competing professionally since 2020 and is best known for winning the British and Irish Professional Cup 3, securing a Top 6 finish at the Trackmania World Tour 2023 World Championship, and finishing third overall in Season Two of the Trackmania Formula E Championship.
In the qualifier, he delivered a consistent run through the bracket, finishing second in both Round 2 of the Upper Bracket (UB) and Round 6 of the Lower Bracket (LB) with 121 points in each round before recording 141 points in the UB Semi-Final and 140 points in the UB Final. The performance secured a third-place overall finish and a place at EWC 2026.
Sharing his thoughts on qualification, Alexander Page aka Whizzy said, “The European qualifier was incredibly competitive, so securing a spot at the Esports World Cup feels rewarding. I have always enjoyed testing myself against the strongest players, and this is another opportunity to do exactly that. I am looking forward to representing S8UL on a global stage and making the most of the opportunity.”
Competing in the North American qualifier, which featured 10 players battling for three EWC berths, Neal received direct playoff seeding through his Elite Cup Ranking. Widely regarded as one of the region’s most accomplished Trackmania competitors, the 24-year-old has built an impressive résumé since entering the scene in 2021, with victories at the Trackmania All-American Spring 2023, NCSA DuoCup 2024, GDEX 2024, NCSA DuoCup 2025, and Americas Masters: Season 1.
He dominated the qualifier from start to finish, securing first-place finishes in both Round 1 and Round 2 of the UB before recording 121 points in Round 3 and an impressive 143 points in the Grand Final. Neal ultimately topped the standings and finished first overall.
“My focus going into the qualifier was simple: play my game and secure the spot. I am pleased with how everything came together, but qualifying is only the first step. The Esports World Cup will bring together the strongest players in Trackmania, and I am excited for the challenge that lies ahead,” commented Neal Kamdar aka Neal.
Among India’s most decorated Trackmania competitors, Spark competed in the Asia and Oceania qualifier, which featured 14 players battling for four EWC berths. The 22-year-old has won Trackmania India Cup editions 5, 6, 7, and 8, in addition to claiming the Mahi Cup in 2025. He has also represented India internationally at the Trackmania Games, the Trackmania Seasonal Country Championship, and the Trackmania Country Championship.
Spark entered the qualifier through his Elite Cup Ranking and immediately established himself among the frontrunners. He finished first in Round 1, followed by a second-place finish in Round 2 of the Upper Bracket. Strong performances in the later stages, including 141 points in Round 3 and 142 points in the Grand Final, saw him finish second overall and earn his place at EWC 2026. In doing so, he became the only Indian player set to compete in Trackmania at this year’s tournament.
“Being the only Indian player to qualify for Trackmania at this year’s Esports World Cup makes this achievement even more meaningful. The Indian Trackmania community has continued to grow over the years, and I hope this result encourages more players to pursue the game competitively. I am proud to represent both India and S8UL on such a big stage,” said Kunal Upreti aka Spark.
Having been selected for the Esports Foundation’s Club Partner Program for the second consecutive year, S8UL earlier unveiled its most ambitious international esports campaign to date, pursuing qualification across 13 titles at EWC 2026. While continuing to field elite international talent, the organization has also placed a strong emphasis on Indian representation across its competitive ecosystem.
That strategy has already begun delivering results. S8UL’s Honor of Kings roster, comprising Indian players, has secured qualification for EWC 2026, while Indian chess grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram have also qualified for the Chess competition. Spark now joins that list through his success in Trackmania. The organization has additionally secured qualification in Apex Legends and Fortnite through its international rosters.
Scheduled to take place in Paris, France, from July 6 to August 23, EWC 2026 will feature a record-breaking prize pool of USD 75 million (approximately INR 714 crore) and bring together more than 2,000 players representing 200 clubs from over 100 countries.