(AsiaGameHub) – The 2026 Esports World Cup is scheduled to take place in Paris from July 6 to August 23, marking the event’s inaugural edition outside Saudi Arabia, following previous tournaments held in Riyadh.
Key Details
- The 2026 Esports World Cup will be held in Paris between July 6 and August 23.
- Over 2,000 players, 200 Clubs, and 24 games are expected to participate in the event.
- The total prize money will surpass $75 million.
EWC’s First International Edition Lands in Paris
The 2026 Esports World Cup will relocate from Riyadh for a year, with the Esports Foundation bringing the competition to France. The foundation stated that this decision came after a thorough review, considering the current regional context and aiming to provide improved planning clarity for players, Clubs, publishers, partners, and fans.
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation, confirmed the Paris edition following a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais Elysée on May 19. While venue specifics remain undisclosed, organizers indicated that further details would be provided in the upcoming weeks.
Reichert commented:
“Riyadh played a crucial role in transforming the Esports World Cup into a global spectacle.
“Riyadh serves as the EWC’s home and stands as a premier global esports hub, driven by an exceptional fan base and a long-term vision for the sport’s future. This year, we are thrilled to bring the EWC to Paris for its inaugural edition beyond Saudi Arabia.
Paris has a history of hosting major global sporting events and is recognized as a leading international capital for sport, culture, and entertainment. Coupled with the enthusiasm of French fans and the significant local support we’ve received, we are eager to welcome the global esports community there for the next phase of the EWC. Paris now marks the first international chapter in the EWC’s history.”
The event’s scale will remain substantial. Over 2,000 players and 200 Clubs, representing more than 100 countries, are expected to compete across 24 games and 25 tournaments for a prize pool exceeding $75 million.
The previous edition demonstrated the EWC’s standing as one of the world’s largest gaming events. In 2025, organizers recorded over 750 million viewers, more than 350 million hours watched, and a peak concurrent viewership approaching 8 million. Broadcasts were distributed via 97 partners, 28 platforms, and over 800 channels in 35 languages.
Paris offers the EWC a host city with recent experience in managing major global sports events, having hosted the 2024 Summer Olympics. For esports, this relocation also serves as a test of the event’s adaptability beyond its Riyadh origins, while maintaining its established tournament scale.
The Esports Foundation confirmed that Clubs, teams, players, and ticket-holding fans would be contacted directly. Further updates will also be made available on the EWC 2026 website.
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