The Esports World Cup 2026 has been officially relocated from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to Paris, France, marking the first time the event will be held outside of Saudi Arabia.
This decision was made by the Esports Foundation in response to recent regional unrest, with the goal of ensuring the stability and safety of players and attendees, according to Esports Foundation CEO Ralf Reichert.
Event Details
The 2026 Esports World Cup will take place in Paris from July 6 to August 23, featuring over 2,000 players from 100 nations and 200 clubs, competing in 24 gaming titles across 25 tournaments.
A prize pool of $75 million+ is on the line, making it the largest in EWC history, with further details about the venue and tickets to be announced in the coming weeks.
Reaction from Officials
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his pride in hosting the event, stating that it is an honor for Paris to welcome the global esports community, while thanking Saudi Arabia for its trust in the city’s ability to organize the event.
Ralf Reichert highlighted Paris’s reputation as a global capital of sport, culture, and entertainment, and its ability to host major sporting events, making it an ideal location for the Esports World Cup.
Global Participation
The 2026 edition of the Esports World Cup is expected to attract a large and diverse group of participants, with players and teams from around the world competing in a variety of gaming titles.
The event’s relocation to Paris is seen as an opportunity to bring the global esports community together and showcase the city’s ability to host major international events.
As the esports community looks to the future, the 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris is set to be a major milestone, with the city’s passion for esports and its strong support for the event expected to make it a memorable experience for all involved.
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