Global Esports Industry Week (GEIW) will return in 2026 with a bigger and bolder edition, taking place across 18–21 June in Cologne, Germany, alongside IEM Cologne, the historic Counter-Strike event which this year holds Major status. 

Following a successful 2025 edition in Austin, Texas, GEIW 2026 expands both its scale and scope, introducing new events, a broader international footprint, and deeper integration with the global esports sector. The event is organised by The Esports Radar and the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC), with ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) serving as Host Partner.

Niccolo Maisto, CEO of ESL FACEIT Group, said: ”Cologne is the ‘Cathedral of Counter-Strike,’ but bringing Global Esports Industry Week here during a Major year makes it the heart of the entire industry. As the global leader in esports, EFG is focused on building spaces where world-class competition and great business happen together. We’re excited to host the community in Cologne so they can network and help shape what’s next, all while being right in the middle of one of the most iconic events in the world.”

GEIW 2026 will bring together senior leaders from game publishers & developers, brands, tournament operators, teams, agencies, education, alongside other stakeholders such as those from destinations, media, tech, creators and investors for four days of events, networking, and socials, this time set against one of esports’ most iconic live events.

Sam Cooke, CEO of The Insights Group (The Esports Radar), said:“Global Esports Industry Week was created to give the industry a dedicated space to connect, reflect, and move forward together. The opportunity to bring GEIW 2026 to Cologne alongside IEM Cologne especially in a Major year was one we couldn’t pass up! This edition is bigger, more ambitious, and more representative of where esports is heading as a global industry, with new dedicated summits to game development, education as well as our first Esports Leaders Honours, celebrating those who deserve recognition across the space.”

Amongst the attendees gathering at the Global Esports Industry Week 2026 include the likes of ESL FACEIT Group, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), ENorth Media, MOONTON, NODWIN, Corsair, BLAST, ESBD, MSI, HEROIC, World Intellectual Property Organisation and AOC, with more invites going out and a lot more to be confirmed.

Already confirmed high profile speakers include the likes of Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, and Niccolo Maisto, CEO of EFG. 

A packed out agenda with business & community events across 18-21 June

Building on the foundations laid in Austin, the 2026 edition introduces additional programming and activations across the week, further establishing GEIW as a must-attend fixture for the global esports business ecosystem.

A central pillar of GEIW remains the ESIC Global Esports Summit (EGES), the long‑standing international conference focused on business, governance, and sustainable growth within esports worldwide. EGES will be fully integrated into the wider GEIW programme, alongside a host of other events.

Stephen Hanna, CEO of ESIC, noted: ”Integrity, governance, and long‑term sustainability remain critical priorities for esports. By once again embedding both the ESIC Global Esports Summit and IGET Expert Workshop within Global Esports Industry Week, we’re creating a stronger, more unified platform for meaningful dialogue and action. Cologne provides the perfect stage for these conversations at a pivotal moment for the industry, and we’re proud to do so alongside our longstanding member ESL FACEIT GROUP.”

The 2026 Programme 

GEIW 2026 will feature a range of events across 18th-21st June; 

  • IMPACT Live – Conference & Expo featuring;
    • ESIC Global Esports Summit 2026
      • The go-to esports business event addressing and discussing all facets of the global sector, bringing everyone in and around the space together in one place. 
    • IMPACT Live – Game Dev Summit 
      • A chance for game developers of all sizes to discuss and showcase their games to both industry and fans, with a key focus on competitive PvP titles across platforms. 
    • IMPACT Live – Edu Summit 
      • Where gaming and education meet. As big believers in the potential of play in education, from curricular to extracurricular, from school through to Higher Education, and covering everything from gametech, to esports, game development, to digitisation of sport, hardware, software, and more, this is for those active and interested in this area; educator, edu sector operator, leader or student. 
  • Esports Leaders Cologne 
    • A half-day edition of Esports Leaders; the gathering for leaders in and around esports in a premium setting focused on real conversation and with excellent 
  • IGET Expert Workshop
  • Esports Leaders Honours 
    • The inaugural edition of The Esports Radar’s annual Esports Leaders Honours’ List, a curated selection of the people, organisations, and projects that helped to define the year in esports and that deserve recognition. This is a nod to excellence, innovation and going above and beyond across six key areas, chosen through our lens as industry observers. The award winners will be officially revealed and celebrated in front of industry peers on Friday 19th June eve.
  • Padel Gaming Club 
    • Tournaments and socials previously hosted in London, Austin and Riyadh, this year PGC comes to Cologne with an industry tournament and social. Limited spaces so apply ASAP! 
  • IEM Cologne Major 2026  
    • GEIW will culminate in the finals of the legendary event at the cathedral of CounterStrike; the  Lanxess Arena. Take in the action from the GEIW VIP Lounge.

Partners 

GEIW 2026 is supported by a growing network of industry partners, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the event. Confirmed partners include:

  • ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) – Host Partner
  • ENorth Media – Supporting Partner  
  • ESBD – Strategic Partner 
  • yellow house – Strategic Partner
  • World Intellectual Property Organisation: Arbitration and Mediation Centre – Strategic Partner
  • International Games and Esports Tribunal – Strategic Partner

More Information

For more information on GEIW 2026, including registration and programme updates, visit globalesportsweek.com and follow GEIW on LinkedIn here. You can also follow industry news platform The Esports Radar via the site here and on socials via TER LinkedIn and TER X.

Super Early Bird Tickets are live now until 16th February with a discount of 30%.

Disclaimer: The Global Esports Industry Week is an initiative with participation of The Esports Radar, part of The Insights Group.