Esports World Cup to host free festival on Champs-Élysées
The Esports World Cup will stage a free, open-air gaming festival on Paris’ Champs-Élysées on Sunday, Aug. 2. The event is open to the public and no ticket is required.
The Esports World Cup will bring a free, open-air gaming festival to Paris’ Champs-Élysées on Sunday, Aug. 2. The Esports Foundation organises the event in partnership with the Comité Champs-Élysées. The festival is open to the public and does not require a ticket.
The festival will turn the avenue into an outdoor stage for an afternoon of competitive and casual gaming aimed at families, first-time viewers and existing fans. It is scheduled to run alongside the Esports World Cup’s main competitions at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, which take place across the summer.
Founders of three leading French esports clubs — Team Vitality, Karmine Corp and Gentle Mates — will appear on the Champs-Élysées stage with figures from music, entertainment and online content. Mixed teams drawn from those participants will play a Rocket League mini-tournament and take part in Trackmania and EA FC showmatches.
A dedicated interactive area will operate during the afternoon, offering hands-on gaming stations, educational talks and panel discussions with professional players and team representatives. The programme is designed to let visitors try games and learn about competitive pathways and careers in esports.
Esports Leaders, an executive gathering for senior decision-makers in the sector, will be held at the Hôtel du Collectionneur during the closing days of the World Cup. Organisers present the Champs-Élysées festival as a public complement to those industry-focused meetings at the Expo venue.
The Esports Foundation says the festival supports its aim to grow the sport by reaching new audiences, strengthening community ties and encouraging sustainability in the industry. Foundation CEO Ralf Reichert has previously outlined plans to expand esports beyond its core fan base.
Organisers described the Champs-Élysées event as “the largest public celebration of gaming and esports France has ever seen,” and noted a domestic audience of more than two million regular esports viewers. Reports indicate Saudi Arabia is investing about $290 million into EWC Paris 2026 following an emergency relocation of this year’s Esports World Cup from Riyadh to Paris, reflecting international investment in the tournament.
The event on Aug. 2 is free and open to the public; visitors can attend the afternoon activities on the avenue without purchasing tickets.
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