The Esports Foundation announced Wednesday that the 2026 Esports World Cup will take place in Paris, marking the first time the tournament will be held outside Riyadh.
Scheduled from July 6 to Aug. 23, the event is expected to attract more than 2,000 players and 200 clubs representing over 100 countries.
According to the Esports Foundation, the relocation aligns with a broader strategy to expand the competition internationally through rotating host cities while preserving Riyadh as the tournament’s permanent home.
Organizers said the decision followed an extensive evaluation process and was made “in light of the current regional situation.”
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation, praised Riyadh’s role in the tournament’s rise, saying the city helped transform the Esports World Cup into a global phenomenon. He added that Riyadh remains both the home of the EWC and a leading global center for esports.
Paris was chosen for its international sporting reputation and strong local enthusiasm for esports and gaming events, organizers said.
Since its launch in Saudi Arabia, the Esports World Cup has expanded rapidly. Organizers reported that the 2025 edition reached a global audience of more than 750 million viewers.
Last year’s tournament generated over 350 million hours of watch time and aired across 28 platforms through 97 broadcasting partners in 35 languages, reaching audiences in 140 countries.
The 2026 edition will feature 24 games across 25 tournaments, with a total prize pool exceeding $75 million.
More information about the Paris venue is expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.
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