Esports World Cup relocates from Riyadh to Paris in 2026

Organisers announced on May 20 that the Esports World Cup will take place in Paris in 2026 after being moved from Riyadh. The decision was discussed at Global Esports Industry Week 2026 in Cologne. French authorities estimate about €600 million in indirect economic impact from the event.

Esports Foundation chief executive Ralf Reichert described the relocation as bringing “institutional legitimacy” and said Paris offers a main venue larger than previous EWC sites.

David Neichel, senior vice president at ESL FACEIT Group, wrote on LinkedIn that France’s regulatory framework and the capacity of state services to process visas for international athletes were decisive. He identified Germany and France as the only European countries with similar capacities and referenced President Emmanuel Macron’s continuing commitment.

Chandy Teixeira, head of games and esports for the City of Rio de Janeiro, posted a photograph of Reichert with President Macron at the Élysée Palace and wrote: ‘Are esports a matter of state? The answer is yes!’ Teixeira argued that visible government backing helps attract major events.

Nepomuk Nothelfer, an esports attorney, said France established an early legal framework for players and tournaments and called the Élysée meeting a sign of political support. He added that a successful World Cup in Paris could encourage other governments to increase public investment in esports.

French teams welcomed the decision. Team Vitality co-founder Nicolas Maurer described the arrival of the World Cup as excellent news for the national ecosystem and pledged to support the event. Matthieu Dallon, CEO of Trust Esport, referenced the 2006 ESWC at Paris’s Accor Arena and noted the planned 2026 scale: 25 games, 54 days of competition and $75 million in prize money.

Global executives noted commercial and logistical implications. Team Liquid co-CEO Steve Aranchet said on social media the relocation could draw new sponsor interest and test the format’s ability to scale. G2 Esports CEO Alban Dechelotte framed the EWC as moving toward the stature of a football World Cup.

Organisations with partnerships tied to the Saudi host reported disruption. NOVO Esports co-founder Emanuele Acerbis said deals linked to Saudi activations will be affected but added that Paris’s accessibility makes in-person activations easier. FURIA co-CEO Jaime Pádua described the decision as prudent given logistical concerns in the region.

Representatives of Saudi clubs published messages of competitive intent. Team Falcons general director Muhammed Almutairi committed the club to pursue a third EWC title in Paris and requested support for Saudi teams.

Industry observers described the relocation as a test for the sector. Anna Baumann said a successful short-notice move would show the ecosystem can absorb unexpected change. Celsa Wu of BenQ’s ZOWIE brand highlighted Europe’s large Counter-Strike audience and cited opportunities around titles including VALORANT and Fortnite.

The hospitality sector prepared to host visitors. Neil Johnson of ALHI confirmed two Paris hotels will be positioned to accommodate attendees and said organisers prioritised safety. He noted that large hotels have supported major esports events in recent years.

Legal and commercial stakeholders said the Paris edition will serve as an example for policymakers and industry partners. Nothelfer said the event could strengthen arguments for public backing of esports in other countries.