May 22, 2026 | Burma Independent Voice
The world’s largest esports tournament will be relocated from Saudi Arabia to Paris, France, this summer due to ongoing disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East, organizers announced.
Scheduled to take place from July 6 to August 23, the 2026 Esports World Cup will see competitors face off across 24 gaming titles for a record-breaking prize pool exceeding $75 million.
The tournament, established in 2024, is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). While the first two annual editions were hosted in Saudi Arabia as part of the kingdom’s bid to become a global hub for esports, this year’s iteration was originally slated to remain in Riyadh.
“However, regional conflict raised serious concerns regarding whether participating players could travel safely to the region within the designated timeframe,” Ralf Reichert, head of the Saudi-based Esports World Cup Foundation, told AFP. He noted that the prevailing geopolitical climate ultimately accelerated the foundation’s long-term plan to turn the event into an international touring tournament.
The federation officially announced on Wednesday that Paris was selected due to its immense cultural appeal and the vibrant enthusiasm of the French esports fanbase.
French President Emmanuel Macron hailed the relocation as “an historic first and a point of immense pride.” Writing on social media platform X, President Macron stated, “Thank you to Saudi Arabia for this trust. We are ready to host the 2026 Esports World Cup. We are incredibly proud to welcome the world once again.”
The massive event is expected to draw over 2,000 players representing more than 200 global clubs, featuring highly popular competitive titles such as League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Mobile Legends, and PUBG.
William Elman, advisor for sports, the private sector, and youth affairs to the French government, noted that the tournament is anticipated to deliver a “monumental boost” to tourism across the Paris region.
According to the Esports World Cup Foundation, the long-term vision remains to rotate the tournament among major global cities. The foundation’s official website indicates that the event is currently provisionally scheduled to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the 2027 edition.
