It's a bombshell in the global esports landscape. The Esports World Cup 2026, the third edition of the annual flagship event organized by the Esports Foundation, will not take place in Riyadh as originally planned. The competition is moving to Paris, according to an official announcement from the foundation published today.
The news upends a schedule that had seemed locked in for months. Originally announced for Riyadh from July 6 to August 23, 2026, it is now the French capital that will host the event.
A decision made at the highest level
According to our informations, the decision carries significant implications. High-level discussions have taken place in recent weeks between the Esports Foundation's leadership, Saudi and French officials, in order to evaluate all possible scenarios in the event of a continuation of the regional conflict.
%2520and%2520Ralf%2520Reichert%252C%2520CEO%2520Esports%2520Foundation%2520(left)%2520at%2520Palais%2520Elys%25C3%25A9e%2520in%2520Paris%252C%2520France%2520-%2520May%252019%25202026-1920x1280.jpg&w=3840&q=75&dpl=f00c046a81f06e9d6c3850325af8443156f337ae)
Maintaining an event of this magnitude—which each summer draws tens of thousands of international visitors, hundreds of professional players, and teams from every competitive region—required guarantees of predictability and stability that the current regional geopolitical situation could no longer reliably provide.
The organizers are expecting significant economic benefits, similar to those in Riyadh, which estimated them at 600 million euros last year.
Beyond the friendly ties between the two countries' leaders, the French capital boasts decisive advantages: a structured esports scene, infrastructure proven by top-tier international events, and a post-Olympic logistical and hospitality ecosystem perfectly suited to absorb an event of this scale.
“Organizing a World Cup on such a tight schedule is difficult,” officials from the French presidency point out. said l'Elysée on TF1 Info.
merci mehdi pour le travail 👍