2026 Esports World Cup Moved From Riyadh to Paris

The Esports World Cup will take place in Paris this summer after organisers confirmed the event’s relocation from Riyadh, according to an announcement by French president Emmanuel Macron.

The tournament is scheduled to run from July 6th to August 24th, 2026, and is expected to bring together more than 2,000 players representing over 200 clubs from more than 100 countries.

Organisers stated that the event will feature 24 game titles across 25 tournaments, with a prize pool expected to exceed USD 75 million.

According to the Esports Foundation, the decision followed an evaluation process conducted in light of the current regional situation, with Paris selected because of its international accessibility, infrastructure, and established esports audience.

Organisers stated that the overall tournament schedule will remain unchanged, although adjustments to individual competitions may be announced in the coming weeks.

Fans who purchased tickets for the Riyadh edition will receive automatic refunds within 21 working days, while existing ticket holders will also receive promotional codes before Paris ticket sales open.

The 2026 edition marks the first time the tournament will be staged outside Saudi Arabia. Organisers also confirmed plans for the event to return to Riyadh in 2027.