The Esports World Cup 2026 will be hosted in Paris from July 6 to August 23, marking the first time the global esports event will take place outside Riyadh, the Esports Foundation announced on Thursday.
The Foundation said the move aligns with its long-term plan to rotate the tournament internationally through collaboration with host markets, partners and esports audiences worldwide.
According to the organisation, the decision to host the 2026 edition in Paris followed an extended evaluation process and was also influenced by the prevailing regional situation. The Foundation said the shift was aimed at providing stability and clarity for players, clubs, publishers, partners and fans, while maintaining the tournament’s scale and competitive structure.
“Riyadh helped turn the Esports World Cup into a global phenomenon,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation.
He said Riyadh would continue to remain the home of the tournament and one of the leading global hubs for esports, while Paris would serve as the first international chapter in the event’s history.
The Foundation said Paris was selected due to its standing as a major global centre for sports, culture and entertainment, along with strong local support and an active esports fan base.
The 2026 edition is expected to feature more than 2,000 players and 200 clubs from over 100 countries competing across 24 games and 25 tournaments for a prize pool exceeding USD 75 million.
The organisers said further details regarding venues in Paris would be announced in the coming weeks. Ticket holders, clubs and players will be contacted directly regarding event-related updates.
The Foundation also highlighted the growth of the tournament’s global audience. According to the organisation, the 2025 edition attracted more than 750 million viewers worldwide and generated over 350 million hours watched across 28 platforms, 97 broadcast partners and more than 800 channels in 35 languages.
The Esports Foundation is a non-profit organisation focused on promoting and expanding esports globally through international competitions and long-term ecosystem development.