Macron hails Karmine Corp win; Esports World Cup 2026 to Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron praised Karmine Corp’s win at the Rocket League Championship Series Paris Major and confirmed that the Esports World Cup 2026 will be held in Paris after the event was moved from Riyadh.

Karmine Corp beat Saudi Arabian team Twisted Minds 4–1 in the RLCS Paris Major final at Paris La Défense Arena. The match was played before a capacity crowd and ended the best-of-seven grand final with a 4–1 scoreline.

The Esports Foundation, formerly the Esports World Cup Foundation, announced the seven-week festival will run in Paris from July 6 to August 23, 2026. Organizers said the event will operate under a $75 million tournament framework and will include multiple game tournaments and side events across several Paris venues.

Organizers cited regional airspace volatility and rising security concerns linked to the conflict in Iran as reasons for moving the festival. The Esports Foundation and French officials held talks, including meetings with EF CEO Ralf Reichert, to finalise the relocation and establish operational and security arrangements.

Paris has recently hosted major Rainbow Six and VALORANT tournaments and is scheduled to host a Call of Duty League major in June. French organisations active at the top level include Team Vitality, Gentle Mates and Karmine Corp. Karmine Corp joined the EWC Club Partner Program after nearly being left off the initial partner list, and Team Vitality remains competitive in Counter-Strike 2.

Macron wrote on official presidential channels: “With Karmine Corp crowned champions of RLCS Major 2 on Rocket League at home tonight, and the EWC arriving in Paris this summer… we can say it with pride: France is at the summit of esports!” He added, in a separate post, “The EWC will be played in Paris! It is a first that honours us. Thank you to Saudi Arabia for its trust. We are ready to organise this 2026 Esports World Cup. Very proud to welcome the world once again.”

The Esports Foundation and the French government announced they will provide the infrastructure and security arrangements needed to host international competitors, teams and fans. Organizers expect the festival to take place across multiple Paris venues between July 6 and August 23, 2026.