The French government has confirmed that the Esports Foundation will invest approximately €250 million (approx. $290 million) to organise the 2026 edition of the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Paris.
The investment figure was revealed as part of the 2026 Choose France summit, where French authorities announced 71 foreign investment projects worth a total of €93 billion.
According to the French government, the €250 million budget will cover key event expenses, including infrastructure and venue setup, production and broadcasting, accommodation for players and teams, transportation, opening and closing ceremonies, and fan engagement and festival experiences.
The hosting budget is separate from the tournament’s whopping prize pool of $75 million for competitors and esports clubs.
French authorities expect the event to generate around €600 million (approx. $700 million) in indirect economic impact for France and Paris through tourism, hospitality, local spending, job creation, and related business activity. Officials have described the tournament as a major boost for France’s esports and entertainment ecosystem.
The French authorities (under President Emmanuel Macron’s administration) are working jointly with the Esports Foundation to help organise the event. For instance, they are providing assistance for the visa application process for qualified players, teams, and staff, alongside support from Macron’s administration on security and venue infrastructure to ensure players, clubs, and fans face no major issues.
The Esports World Cup was originally planned to take place in Riyadh, following the first two editions of the tournament in Saudi Arabia. However, in mid-May 2026, the Esports Foundation announced that the event would move to Paris, making it the first Esports World Cup to be held outside Saudi Arabia.
The projected economic impact is also in line with what other major esports events have delivered for host cities in recent years. The Counter-Strike 2 BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 generated more than $102 million in total economic impact for Austin, Texas. Meanwhile, when London hosted the BLAST Premier London Open at OVO Arena Wembley in September 2025, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the event would create an estimated £30 million boost for London’s economy.
With projections far exceeding those previous examples, the Esports World Cup is looking to fully capitalise on its massive seven-week run. By bringing the event to a central European capital, organisers ensure maximum accessibility for regional fans while seamlessly leveraging the city’s status as a premier global tourist destination.
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