Esports World Cup 2026 relocated to Paris, with details revealed

After two editions in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, the Esports World Cup is set to undergo its first relocation. While the event was originally scheduled to begin on July 6th and conclude on August 23rd, the 2026 edition of the EWC will ultimately take place in France, Paris, as announced by the Elysée on Wednesday, May 20th.

This last-minute venue change is likely linked to the ongoing war between the United States and Iran, with numerous drone attacks having taken place in neighboring countries in recent months. As Ralf Reichert explained in a LinkedIn post, “The current regional situation required us to relocate the 2026 edition to provide clarity and stability for players, clubs, partners, and fans.”

According to information gathered by our journalists, most of the EWC’s partner clubs took part in two calls on Tuesday the 12th, during which the Saudi organizer reportedly remained relatively vague on the details, without even confirming Paris as the host city. That now appears to have been finalized, as clubs contacted by Sheep Esports indicated they are aware that Paris will host the competition, although they still do not know the exact venues. According to our information, the event is expected to be held primarily at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, with the finals for certain games planned in larger venues across the French capital.

Although Paris has now been confirmed, it appears the French capital was not the only option initially considered. According to information obtained by Sheep Esports, Germany and China were also possibilities before France seriously emerged as a candidate, notably with the intention of hosting the event with a live audience, something that apparently was not guaranteed with all other options. Sources close to the situation also stated that discussions regarding a potential relocation, involving several countries, began as early as March, following the first explosions on Saudi soil and the outbreak of the war between the United States and Iran.

Still according to sources close to Sheep Esports, what may have tipped the scales in France’s favor were, naturally, the relations between the two countries, but also the strong willingness from the French government at the highest level to host the event. That willingness was reportedly accompanied by favorable policies regarding visas and cash prizes, helped in particular by an administration already accustomed to handling major esports events in France. Naturally, the availability of venues capable of hosting all the required infrastructure also played a role.

Back in November 2025, during Paris Games Week, France’s largest video game exhibition, Saudi representatives from the EF had already met with local stakeholders to discuss the Esports Nations Cup. France’s interest in hosting the second edition of the ENC, scheduled for 2028, had already been revealed by France Esports, one of the organizations working to develop esports in France, particularly on the political side.

It is also worth noting that the eSports World Convention, also known as ESWC, the predecessor to the EWC, existed in France between 2003 and 2017, with the vast majority of its final stages taking place in Paris. The ESWC brand was also acquired in 2023 by the Esports Foundation.

Originally launched in 2022 under the name Gamers8, the current format of the Esports World Cup has been in place since 2024. Organized by the Esports Foundation, which oversees both the EWC and the newly created Esports Nations Cup, the tournament has always been hosted in Saudi Arabia, with the foundation supported by the Saudi state. For the first time, and under exceptional circumstances, another country is going to host the event, with Paris set to become the new stage for the competition.

This year again, the competition will welcome thousands of players from every continent, across nearly 25 tournaments and 24 different games. With a partnership running until 2027, Riot Games' titles—VALORANT, League of Legends, and Teamfight Tactics—are obviously included, but not the recently released 2XKO. Rocket League, which recently joined Sheep Esports, will also be one of the games featured at the event, alongside the usual suspects like Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, PUBG, and Street Fighter 6.

The Esports World Cup serves as a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy, leveraging a $38 billion investment via the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to establish the Kingdom as a global gaming hub and diversify its economy. This deployment of soft power aims to project an image of a modern, tech-forward nation to an international audience. However, organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch characterize these initiatives as "sportswashing," arguing they are designed to obscure a restrictive domestic record on human rights. Documented concerns include severe crackdowns on freedom of expression, the continued criminalization of LGBTQ+ individuals, and persistent labor rights violations for migrant workers. According to a recent AFP report published on May 16, 2026, a French investigative judge has opened a probe into Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, following complaints alleging torture and enforced disappearance.