The Esports World Cup, the largest tournament in the gaming world, will be held in Paris from July 6 to August 23, 2026, after being moved from Riyadh due to geopolitical concerns. This year's competition will boast a record-breaking prize pool exceeding $75 million, attracting over 2,000 players from 200 clubs competing in 24 major titles such as League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, and Valorant. Ralf Reichert, head of the Saudi-based Esports Foundation, cited the unstable regional situation as a key factor in the decision, highlighting uncertainties around travel and logistics for participants. French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the announcement, calling it a 'historic first' for France and expressing gratitude to Saudi Arabia for their trust. The tournament is expected to significantly boost tourism in the Paris region, with thousands of attendees anticipated. Despite the shift, the long-term vision includes rotating the event among global cities, with plans for it to return to Riyadh in 2027.