The Esports World Cup (EWC) will reportedly be held in Paris, France, instead of its planned location in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, due to escalating violence in the Middle East. Scheduled for July to August 2026, the tournament boasts a prize pool exceeding $75 million and will feature major esports titles including Valorant, League of Legends, and Dota 2. The decision to relocate comes amidst ongoing conflict, which has led to flight cancellations and heightened security concerns in the region. The EWC has faced scrutiny regarding Saudi Arabia's human rights record, with accusations of the country using the tournament as a means of improving its global image, a practice known as sportswashing. The inaugural EWC took place in Riyadh in 2024 and was deemed successful, attracting over 3 million fans and more than 2,500 players and staff. Despite the controversies, many teams and players feel compelled to participate due to the lucrative payouts. The details surrounding the Paris move remain unclear, and inquiries have been made to the EWC for further clarification.