‘EWC 2026’, to be held in Paris, France this year - 스포츠경향
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Esports World Cup 2026 (hereinafter EWC 2026), the largest esports and gaming event in the world, will take place in Paris, France.
The Republic of Korea Seoul Esports Foundation (hereinafter EF) announced on the 21st that EWC 2026 will be held in Paris, France from July 6 to August 23.
EF operates under a vision of growing international tournaments and competitions through long-term collaboration with global audiences, partners, and host countries. After an extended review process and comprehensive consideration of recent regional circumstances, it decided to bring forward and implement a plan to rotate the event internationally starting this year. Through this, it intends to provide a clearer and more stable operating environment for players, clubs, game publishers, partners, and fans worldwide, while also maintaining the scale and structure of the event and the fairness of competition.
Ralph Reichert, EF Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said, “Riyadh has played an important role in helping the EWC grow into a global event” and “Riyadh, the home of the EWC, is a city that has established itself as a world-class esports hub based on a passionate fan community and a long-term vision.” He continued, “This year, we are very excited to host in Paris the first EWC to be held outside Saudi Arabia” and “Paris is a global center of sports·culture·entertainment that has hosted numerous world-class sporting events, and, amid the passion of French fans and strong local support, together with the global esports community it will open a new chapter for the EWC. Paris has now become the first overseas host city in EWC history.”
This announcement builds on the momentum of the EWC, which has been held consecutively in Riyadh and has steadily expanded its global viewership. EWC 2025, held last year, drew more than 750 million viewers worldwide, and cumulative watch time surpassed 350 million hours. Peak concurrent viewership reached about 8 million. The event was broadcast in 35 languages across 28 platforms, 97 distribution partners, and more than 800 channels, reaching fans in 140 countries.
This year, the EWC will feature more than 2,000 players and over 200 clubs from more than 100 countries worldwide, competing across 24 games and 25 tournaments. The total prize pool will exceed $75 million, maintaining a record-high level.
French President Emmanuel Macron (right) and EF CEO Ralph Reichert pose for a commemorative photo at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on the 19th. Provided by EF
