The 2026 edition of the Esports World Cup (EWC), which was due to take place in Saudi Arabia’s capital of Riyadh this summer, has been moved to Paris due to security concerns linked to the Iran-U.S. war.
The Esports Foundation (EWCF) announced late Wednesday that the event will run from July 7 to August 24 in the French capital, after a meeting between CEO Ralf Reichert with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysée Palace.
News of the move comes amid a stalemate in the negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, with both sides repeatedly threatening military and then coming back from the brink.
Iran has sent thousands of missiles and drones towards its Gulf neighbors in retaliation for the U.S. and Israeli military campaign which began on February 28. Saudi Arabia was relatively untouched but the situation across the region remains tense.
The Esports Foundation couched the move news in a positive light, saying it accelerated an already planned strategy to expand into other host countries, and also emphasizing that Saudi Arabia remained “the home of EWC”.
The change in venue for the 2026 edition will be a blow to Saudi Arabia, which has been at the forefront of developing international Esports tournaments as part of its wider strategy to become a regional media and entertainment hub.
The 2026 EWC’s Paris move also follows in the wake of the cancellation the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Jeddah April due to the instability in the Middle East.
Last year, Riyadh’s Boulevard City entertainment district hosted some 2,000 players representing 200 clubs hailing from 100 territories.
The 2026 edition of the EWC will once again welcome 2,000 competitors, who will compete in 24 games across 25 tournaments for a share of the record-breaking prize pool in excess of $75 million.
Details on the new venue for EWC 2026 in Paris will be announced in the coming weeks. Clubs, teams, players and fans with tickets to the event will be contacted directly.
“We’re excited to bring EWC to Paris for its first edition outside Saudi Arabia. Paris has hosted some of the world’s biggest sporting events and is one of the great global capitals of sport, culture and entertainment,” said Ralf Reichert.
“Together with the passion of French fans and the strong support we’ve received locally, we’re excited to bring the global esports community there for the next chapter of EWC. Paris now becomes the first international chapter in EWC history.”
