The Esports World Cup, the largest competitive gaming event on the planet, is packing up and moving from Riyadh to Paris with just eight weeks of lead time. The Esports Foundation confirmed the relocation on May 20, citing security concerns tied to the Iran conflict and broader instability across the Middle East.
The tournament’s $75 million prize pool, its schedule running July 6 through August 23, and its roster of over 2,000 players across 24 game titles all remain intact.
War risk forces a logistical sprint
Reports of a potential move first surfaced around May 14, with the official confirmation arriving six days later. The stated rationale centers on escalating tensions in the Middle East, specifically risks to air travel and local infrastructure in Riyadh that made hosting a seven-week international event untenable.
Paris Expo Porte de Versailles will serve as the primary venue, with a performance event scheduled at La Seine Musicale on July 8. This marks the first time the EWC has been held outside Saudi Arabia. Previous editions ran in Riyadh in 2024 and 2025, both bankrolled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund. The PIF remains the financial engine behind the 2026 edition despite the change of scenery.
