Esports World Cup 2026 Set to Take Place in Paris, France

The Esports Foundation has announced that the 2026 Esports World Cup will be held in Paris, France, from July 6 to August 23. This event will gather 2,000 players and 200 clubs from over 100 countries, marking a significant expansion of the tournament's global reach. With a record-breaking prize pool of over $75 million, the EWC promises to be a landmark event in the esports calendar. Paris, known for its rich sporting culture, is set to become the first international host city for the EWC outside Riyadh. Stay tuned for more details on the venue and event specifics.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 22, 2026, 12:45 IST

Esports World Cup 2026 Announcement

The Esports Foundation (EF) has revealed that the 2026 Esports World Cup (EWC), recognized as the largest esports and gaming event globally, will occur in Paris, France, from July 6 to August 23. This marks Paris as the first city outside Riyadh to host the EWC, aligning with the foundation's goal of establishing a global rotation for future events.

A Gathering of Global Talent

This summer, the event will unite 2,000 players, 200 clubs, and millions of fans from over 100 nations, showcasing the significance of Paris as a central hub for international sports. The Esports Foundation aims to enhance its international tournaments and competitions through partnerships with audiences, sponsors, and host cities.

EWC's Global Rotation Strategy

After a thorough evaluation, the Esports Foundation has decided to expedite its international rotation strategy for the 2026 event. This decision aims to provide clarity and stability for players, clubs, publishers, partners, and fans, while maintaining the tournament's scale, structure, and competitive integrity.

A New Era for EWC

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation, stated that Riyadh has been instrumental in establishing the EWC as a global phenomenon and continues to be a key esports hub. The expansion to Paris signifies the event's growing international presence. He expressed excitement about bringing the EWC to Paris, a city renowned for hosting major sporting events and a vibrant center for culture and entertainment.

Record-Breaking Growth and Viewership

The announcement reflects the ongoing success of the Esports World Cup, which has seen significant growth in its global audience. In 2025, the EWC attracted over 750 million viewers and generated more than 350 million hours of watch time, with peak concurrent viewership reaching nearly 8 million. The event was broadcast across 28 platforms, involving 97 partners and over 800 channels in 35 languages, reaching fans in 140 countries.

The upcoming EWC will again feature over 2,000 players and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries, competing in 24 games across 25 tournaments for a staggering prize pool exceeding $75 million.

Further details regarding the venue for EWC 2026 in Paris will be disclosed in the upcoming weeks.