The Esports World Cup is working on moving the entire event from Riyadh to Paris, France due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
This is according to a report from GamesBeat, which claims to have heard this from three separate individuals.
The third iteration of the lucrative, multi-title event is set to begin in two month’s time, taking place between July 6 and August 23.
The Esports World Cup 2026 is set to feature a $75m prize pool with 25 tournaments across 24 esports titles.
However, the event would have been jeopardised had it continued in its usual Riyadh venue, with airlines cancelling flights to the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict.
Due to fuel shortages and safety concerns, some major airlines have already suspended flights to the region through to October, 2026.
The Esports World Cup’s Logistical Nightmare
The quick shift to a new country and location will be a complex task, especially considering the size of the event.
According to the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), last year’s iteration saw over 2,500 players and staff from 89 different nationalities attend the event in Riyadh.
And typically, on top of the various esports tournaments, the event also usually plays host to the annual Esports Awards.
The event was likely set to take place in Riyadh again after the EWCF struck a three-year deal with the ceremony back in 2024.
Additionally, the Esports World Cup isn’t the only event planned for Riyadh this year.
In November, the EWCF is hosting the inaugural Esports Nations Cup, which will invite over a hundred countries to compete across 16 different game titles with national rosters.
It has been a stressful month for the EWCF as KeSPA and South Korea have agreed to participate in the ENC after an initial disagreement.
What do you make of the EWC moving to Paris? Will the event travel from now on? Share your thoughts with us on the Insider Gaming Discord.
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