The Esports World Cup 2026 is set to be hosted in Paris, France from July 6 to August 23, marking a significant shift as it will be the first edition held outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Esports Foundation announced this decision as part of its strategy to rotate the tournament across different countries, aiming to enhance stability for players, clubs, and partners amid rising tensions in the Middle East. The event is expected to attract over 2,000 players and 200 esports clubs from more than 100 countries, competing in 24 games across 25 tournaments for a prize pool exceeding $75 million. The previous edition in Riyadh garnered immense viewership, reaching over 750 million viewers and generating 350 million hours of watch time. Broadcast coverage was extensive, spanning 28 platforms and 800 channels in 35 languages. Esports Foundation CEO Ralf Reichert noted that while Riyadh remains a major esports hub, Paris is a fitting choice for this international edition due to its rich history in hosting significant sporting and entertainment events.