The relocation of the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 from Riyadh to Paris, France, is being positioned not as a strategic retreat, but as a milestone demonstrating the maturity and flexibility of the tournament and festival as a global entertainment platform.
The shift, officially enacted by the Esports Foundation in May 2026 amid regional security concerns in the Middle East, raised questions regarding the future of the tournament’s primary objective: catalysing local technological and industrial development within Saudi Arabia, as stated in an interview with The Esports Radar in August 2025.
Addressing whether the shift represents a setback for Saudi Arabia’s national tech-development initiatives, HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Board Member of the Esports Foundation, told The Esports Radar that the decision was ultimately made to guarantee a stable, world-class operational environment for the global community, but does not alter the domestic developmental trajectory or the localised investment pipeline.
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Rather than pulling resources away from Riyadh, the Foundation views the international reach of Paris as a complementary asset that expands commercial collaborations, which will eventually funnel expert institutional knowledge back into Saudi Arabia’s domestic developer and production workforce.
Prince Faisal emphasised that the physical location of the event is secondary to the wider industrial foundation being constructed, explaining that “the investments we are making in infrastructure, education, technology, local talent and the wider gaming ecosystem continue unchanged” within the Kingdom.
“Hosting this year’s edition in Paris complements that ambition by strengthening the global platform we are building, while the long-term benefits and expertise continue to support the growth of the industry in the Kingdom.”
The localised ecosystem remains anchored by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, which targets a 1% GDP contribution from gaming and esports (approximately SAR 50 billion / $13.3 billion) and the creation of 39,000 regional jobs by the end of the decade.
See the full statement from HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud as provided to The Esports Radar:
“This year’s edition being held in Paris does not change our long-term vision or our commitment to developing the esports ecosystem in Saudi Arabia.
From the beginning, we have said that the Esports World Cup is about much more than hosting a tournament. It is about building an industry – developing talent, creating jobs, attracting investment, advancing technology and strengthening the capabilities that will support the sector for decades to come.
The decision to hold this year’s event in Paris was made to ensure the best possible environment for players, fans, partners and the global esports community. It reflects our commitment to delivering a world-class event under the right circumstances, while remaining focused on our long-term objectives.
In many ways, this edition demonstrates the strength and maturity of the Esports World Cup as a global platform. Taking it to one of the world’s great cities expands its reach, introduces new audiences to the competition and creates new opportunities for collaboration across the international esports ecosystem.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia remains the home of our long-term esports strategy. The investments we are making in infrastructure, education, technology, local talent and the wider gaming ecosystem continue unchanged. Hosting this year’s edition in Paris complements that ambition by strengthening the global platform we are building, while the long-term benefits and expertise continue to support the growth of the industry in the Kingdom.”
Marking the event’s inaugural edition held outside of Saudi Arabia, the seven-week competitive marathon kicked off on July 6, 2026, at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, featuring a record-breaking $75 million prize pool.
Disclaimer: The Esports Radar travelled to Saudi Arabia as a guest of the Esports Foundation with accommodation and travel covered, but this article is not sponsored, commissioned, or edited by any external organisation.
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