The Esports World Cup 2026 has made its grand entrance in Paris after an incredible eight-week journey from Riyadh, offering European fans a unique chance to experience one of the biggest gaming events up close. Following two successful editions in Saudi Arabia, this relocation will be a true test of whether one of the kingdom's major esports initiatives can keep its momentum and excitement alive beyond its original setting. Spanning seven weeks from July 6 to August 23, the tournament is set to welcome over 2,000 players from more than 100 countries to the French capital, where they'll compete in 24 games across 25 thrilling events.

Mike McCabe, deputy chief executive and chief operating officer of the Esports Foundation, said, “From the beginning, our ambition has been to build the Esports World Cup into a global platform. Riyadh played a critical role in establishing the event and helping it grow into one of the largest esports competitions in the world, but we have always believed the model could travel.”

Speaking to The National, McCabe described the Paris edition as both a response to present circumstances and a preview of the event's future international expansion.

How Organisers Moved a $75 Million Tournament in Two Months

The Esports World Cup is run by the Esports Foundation, a non-profit organization that got its start with support from the Saudi government. Kicking off in 2024, the tournament received a significant boost from Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and quickly became a key player in Saudi Arabia's broader gaming aspirations. Even with the criticism and calls for boycotts tied to the kingdom's human rights issues, teams kept showing up, mainly because the prize pool is over $75 million, which is a big deal in a time when securing funding for esports is getting tougher. However, moving an event of this magnitude in under two months was no small feat. McCabe mentioned that racing against the clock was the biggest hurdle as organizers worked to secure the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, setting up competition stages, broadcast systems, workstations, and all the technical gear needed for global coverage. French authorities also stepped in to speed up visa processes after President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the event to France.

Also Read | Riyadh to Host 24-Team PUBG: Battlegrounds Competition at Esports World Cup 2026

On the fan front, the response has been encouraging, easing worries about attendance. Several competitions have already sold out, with organizers noting a strong interest from French clubs and supporters. Fans have even traveled from Germany and the UK to be part of the tournament. For many, this relocation offered a unique chance. Apex Legends fans Chess and Julia shared that the live atmosphere was a huge draw, calling the game's competitive scene one of the strongest in esports. Another fan, Jenny, made her way from southern France right after tickets went on sale, determined to catch the tournament's debut in her country.