The Esports World Cup 2026 is set to open a new chapter in competitive gaming history as the tournament moves to Paris, France, for its first edition outside Saudi Arabia.
Scheduled to take place from July 6 to August 23, 2026, EWC 2026 will bring together more than 2,000 players, over 200 Clubs, and competitors from more than 100 countries. Across seven weeks, the event will feature 24 games, 25 tournaments, and a record-breaking prize pool of more than US$75 million.
More than just a change of location, the move to Paris represents a significant step in the long-term vision of the Esports World Cup: to become a truly global platform for esports.
Since its beginning, EWC was designed not only as a tournament, but as a worldwide celebration of competitive gaming. The ambition has always been to bring the event to major cities around the world, giving more fans, players, teams, Clubs, and publishers the opportunity to be part of esports at its highest level.
For 2026, that international rotation is arriving earlier than expected.
Following an extended evaluation process, and in light of the current regional situation, the Esports Foundation decided to move the event from Riyadh to Paris. The decision was made after close coordination with stakeholders across the esports ecosystem, with a focus on providing clarity, stability, and the right environment for an event of this scale.
Delivering the Esports World Cup is not a small task. It means bringing together thousands of players, hundreds of Clubs, global publishers, massive fan communities, and international audiences across multiple titles. For an event this large, the host city must be able to offer accessibility, infrastructure, strong local support, and the right competitive conditions.
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Paris was chosen because it meets those needs while also carrying its own powerful sporting identity.
As one of the world’s great capitals of sport, culture, and entertainment, Paris has already hosted some of the biggest global sporting events in history. Now, it will welcome the esports world for what could become one of the most important moments in the industry’s international growth.
“Riyadh helped turn the Esports World Cup into a global phenomenon,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation. “Riyadh is the home of EWC and one of the world’s leading hubs for esports, powered by an incredible community of fans and long-term ambition for the future of the sport. This year, we’re excited to bring EWC to Paris for its first edition outside Saudi Arabia.”
He also highlighted Paris’ unique position as a global destination for sport, culture, and entertainment, as well as the passion of French fans and the local support behind the event.
“Paris now becomes the first international chapter in EWC history,” Reichert added.
Even with the move to France, Riyadh remains an essential part of the Esports World Cup’s identity and long-term future. The city played a major role in building EWC into a global phenomenon, and the current intention is for the event to return to Riyadh in 2027.
For fans who had already purchased tickets for EWC 2026 in Riyadh, all ticket holders will automatically receive a full refund. Refunds will be processed to the same payment method or bank card used for the purchase. The process may take up to 21 working days, though in most cases it is expected to be completed sooner.
Tickets for EWC 2026 in Paris will go on sale in the coming weeks. Original ticket holders will also receive a special promo code when the ticketing platform reopens.
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More details about the new venue, fan experience, tournament schedule, and other event information will be announced soon.
The move to Paris is more than a logistical update. It is a statement about where esports is heading. From Riyadh to Paris, from regional roots to global stages, the Esports World Cup continues to build itself as one of the defining platforms for competitive gaming.
In 2026, the world’s best players will not only compete for trophies and prize money. They will step into a new era for esports, in a city long associated with history, culture, and sporting greatness.
And for the global esports community, Paris now becomes the next destination.