Paris welcomes gaming’s richest tournament
The 2026 Esports World Cup opened in Paris on July 8 with a lavish ceremony featuring Aya Nakamura, Theodora, DJ Snake and Mosimann. The event at La Seine Musicale marked the beginning of seven weeks of competition, with the tournament scheduled to conclude on August 23.
Nearly 2,000 professional players from 84 countries are competing across 24 video games, including League of Legends, Counter-Strike, EA Sports FC and Dota 2. The combined prize pool stands at almost $75 million, equivalent to approximately €65.7 million.
According to an investigation by Le Monde journalist Aurélien Defer, the tournament was exceptionally relocated from Riyadh because of the conflict in the Middle East. Organisers have instead publicly presented the move as the first stage of a long-term plan to rotate the Esports World Cup between major international cities.
Saudi Arabia’s gaming empire reaches France
The Esports World Cup was created in Riyadh in 2024 and has quickly become the most lucrative multi-title competition in professional gaming. Its arrival in Paris represents the clearest demonstration yet of Saudi Arabia’s growing influence over the international esports industry.
Read also: “Why are they using it?”: Chelsea fans fear injury nightmare on battered Sydney pitch
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and associated companies have spent billions on gaming businesses, investments and tournament operators. Their interests have included ESL, Faceit, Scopely, Moonton and Electronic Arts, alongside investments connected to Nintendo, Capcom and Chinese tournament operator VSPO.
Supporters argue that the money has provided professional players and clubs with opportunities that a financially unstable esports industry could not previously offer. Critics describe the strategy as “esportswashing”, claiming Saudi Arabia is using gaming’s young global audience to soften international criticism of its human rights record.
Macron calls it ‘a historic first’
French President Emmanuel Macron personally welcomed the announcement that Paris would stage the competition. “It is a historic first and an honor for us,” Macron wrote on X when the relocation was revealed on May 20.
As described by the Élysée in its official announcement, the tournament is intended to deepen cultural and sporting relations between France and Saudi Arabia. The French presidency said the event would involve more than 200 international clubs and attract players and fans from across the world.
Read also: Nine records gone in 48 hours as swimmers tear up Games history
Macron’s enthusiasm has nevertheless raised questions about his inconsistent approach to video games. Earlier in 2026, he suggested gaming could contribute to violence among young people, while his government has now presented the Esports World Cup as an open and unifying celebration of digital culture.
Saudi Arabia pays the entire bill
France is not expected to pay directly for staging the event. Saudi Arabia has committed approximately €250 million to cover the organisation of the competition, while the Élysée expects Paris and the surrounding region to receive around €600 million in indirect economic benefits.
French officials also helped accelerate visa procedures after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly contacted Macron about moving the tournament. An emergency working group involving presidential advisers and several government departments was subsequently created to make the relocation possible.
The financial arrangement has been welcomed by parts of the French esports community, although some domestic production companies have complained that they received only a limited share of the available work. “Money has no smell,” an anonymous French government source told Le Monde while discussing the industry’s willingness to cooperate.
Read also: Coach addresses Jannik Sinner's mysterious collapse: "We have to live with these episodes."
Human rights questions refuse to disappear
The partnership has attracted particular attention because French authorities have reopened an investigation linked to the 2018 murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The renewed legal attention has not prevented relations between Paris and Riyadh from becoming increasingly close.
French clubs such as Team Vitality, Gentle Mates and Karmine Corp have embraced the opportunity to compete on home soil. Influential French content creators, including Squeezie and Inoxtag, have also been recruited to promote or participate in activities surrounding the tournament.
For the players, the Esports World Cup offers unprecedented prize money and visibility. For France, however, the tournament has become something larger: a test of how far the country is prepared to deepen its relationship with Saudi Arabia when the financial rewards are impossible to ignore.
Read also: Infantino's inner circle cracks: senior adviser Cordeiro quits FIFA over World Cup sale plan
Read also: A 15-minute phone call made him decide: Now Tonali reveals why he chose Tottenham.
