The 2026 Esports World Cup will take place in Paris from July 6 to August 23, organizers announced on Wednesday.
More than 2,000 players and 200 teams from more than 100 countries are expected to compete in 24 games with a total prize pool of more than $75 million, according to the Esports Foundation.
The first two editions of the Esports World Cup took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2024 and 2025 with prize money of $62.5 million and $71.5 million, respectively.
“Riyadh helped turn the Esports World Cup into a global phenomenon,” said Esports Foundation CEO Ralf Reichert in a press release. “Riyadh is home to the EWC and one of the world’s leading esports hubs, supported by an incredible fan community and long-term ambitions for the future of the sport.
“This year, we are thrilled to bring EWC to Paris for its first edition outside of Saudi Arabia. Paris has hosted some of the world’s biggest sporting events and is one of the global sports, cultural and entertainment capitals. Together with the passion of French fans and the strong support we have received locally, we are thrilled to bring the global esports community there for the next chapter of EWC. Paris is now the first international chapter in EWC history.”
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed Reichert to Paris to make the announcement.
Details regarding the venue and event calendar will be announced later.
–Field Level Media
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