Global Esports Week 2026 agenda set in Cologne, with EA, Discord

Organisers have finalised the agenda for Global Esports Industry Week 2026, which will run in Cologne from 18 to 21 June. More than 75 speakers are confirmed, with expected attendance above 400 delegates from publishers, teams, brands and service providers.

The Esports Radar and the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) are running the industry programme, with ESL FACEIT Group as host partner. Most conference activity will take place at the Hyatt Regency Cologne, while the IEM Cologne Counter-Strike tournament will run at LANXESS Arena as a separately ticketed event.

The two main industry days at the Hyatt Regency, 18 and 19 June, will include conference sessions, workshops and an open expo called IMPACT Live. The public programme covers networking and an expo, while several sessions and workshops are invite-only. Social events include networking dinners, a padel tournament and a Padel Gaming Club on 20 June that requires registration.

Sessions address event calendars, sustainability, youth protection and commercial partnerships. The opening session will look ahead to the Esports World Cup and Esports Nations Cup in 2026, led by Ralf Reichert of the Esports Foundation. EA senior director Sam Turkbas will present EA’s esports plans for 2026, and Discord’s Kristelle Lavallee will speak on youth safety, belonging and opportunity in esports. Panels will also feature speakers from Runestone, MOONTON, KRAFTON, NODWIN, Trust Esport, Guinevere Capital and Expedia.

The Esports Leaders Honours awards ceremony is part of the programme and winners will be revealed on 19 June. Shortlisted nominees include EA, Logitech G, Magnus Carlsen & Team Liquid, ESL FACEIT Group, DHL, Team Vitality, Nescafe, Stake, BLAST, the Esports Foundation and ZOWIE. Access to Esports Leaders Cologne and the Esports Leaders Honours is by invitation only.

Runestone is the title partner for GEIW 2026. The company provides data collection and distribution systems, integrity monitoring and tools for fan engagement. Runestone’s recent appointments include work as Official Data Partner for PGL’s Cluj-Napoca 2026 event and partnerships with StarLadder and the Roman Imperium Cup. Other confirmed partners include ZOWIE, Abios, Visit Raleigh, The Story Mob and WIPO.

Sam Cooke, CEO of The Insights Group and organiser for The Esports Radar, commented: “The line-up brings speakers from different regions and sectors to provide multiple perspectives on sponsorship, investment and the calendar of major events in 2026.” Stephen Hanna, CEO of ESIC, added: “The week gathers leaders from publishers, teams, brands, technology providers and regulators to work on standards, participant protection and sustainable growth for the industry.”

Organisers have directed attendees to the event website for full session times, registration details and instructions on which sessions are open to the public or require invitation. Winners of the Esports Leaders Honours will be announced during the programme on 19 June.