The Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 will officially be held outside Saudi Arabia for the first time in its history, moving from Riyadh to Paris, France.

The massive tournament is scheduled to run from July 6 to August 23, featuring a record-breaking prize pool of over $75 million. The decision was finalized following an extended evaluation process by the event organizer, the Esports Foundation, which shifted the venue ahead of schedule in light of regional destabilization caused by the war with Iran.

The strategic relocation aims to provide stability for the massive international event, which will bring together more than 2,000 players and 200 clubs from over 100 countries to compete across 24 gaming titles.

French President Emmanuel Macron personally welcomed Esports Foundation CEO Ralf Reichert at the Palais Élysée to mark the historic announcement, signaling that France is treating the tournament with the same prestige as the Olympics or the FIFA World Cup. Reflecting on the significance of the move, Macron shared his enthusiasm on social media, stating,

“This is a first, and it is an honor for us. Thank you to Saudi Arabia for the trust. We are ready to host the 2026 Esports World Cup. We are very proud to welcome the world once again.”

While the abrupt venue change shifts momentum away from Saudi Arabia’s $38 billion initiative to establish Riyadh as the ultimate global gaming hub, organizers emphasized that the long-term vision always included international expansion.

Brian Ward, CEO of the Public Investment Fund’s Savvy Games Group, acknowledged the geopolitical hurdles earlier this year, noting, “Obviously, such an escalation is not helpful for the region, and it will likely change or cool the perception of it as a stable and peaceful place where people want to go.”

Despite the temporary setback for the region, Reichert praised the foundation laid by the original host city while looking forward to the tournament’s new European chapter.

“Riyadh helped turn the Esports World Cup into a global phenomenon,” Reichert said. “Riyadh is the home of EWC and one of the world’s leading hubs for esports, powered by an incredible community of fans and long-term ambition for the future of the sport. This year, we’re excited to bring EWC to Paris for its first edition outside Saudi Arabia.”