The 2026 Esports World Cup will be held in Paris instead of Riyadh, after organisers cited regional conflict as a key reason for relocating the world’s largest video game tournament. The event runs from 6 July to 23 August, with more than $75 million in prize money across 24 titles. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund continues to back the competition.

Why was the Esports World Cup 2026 moved from Riyadh to Paris?

Organisers moved the event after the Middle East conflict raised concerns about players being able to travel to Saudi Arabia in time. Ralf Reichert, head of the Saudi-based Esports Foundation, told AFP that the situation had “accelerated the internationalisation of the competition.” The first two editions of the tournament were held in Riyadh, which had also been scheduled to host this year.

What will the 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris involve?

More than 2,000 players from 200 clubs around the world are expected to compete across 24 titles. Popular games on the roster include League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, and Valorant. The total prize pool exceeds $75 million, consistent with previous editions of the tournament.

Reichert also pointed to Paris’s appeal and the strength of French esports fandom as additional reasons for selecting the city. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the announcement, calling it “a historic first and an honour.” He thanked Saudi Arabia for their trust and said France was “ready to host the Esports World Cup 2026.”

What is the long-term future of the Esports World Cup?

The Esports Foundation has stated its long-term vision is to bring the event to major cities around the world over time. Despite the Paris move, its website indicates the plan is for the tournament to return to Riyadh in 2027. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund remains a central financial backer of the competition.

William Elman, a sport and youth advisor for the French government, said the event was expected to have a “major impact on tourism in the Paris region.” The tournament was created in 2024 and has grown quickly into the largest event of its kind globally. Its relocation to Paris marks the first time the Esports World Cup will be held outside Saudi Arabia.