The Esports World Cup is relocating from Riyadh to Paris in just eight weeks due to security concerns related to the Iran conflict and broader instability in the Middle East. The event, which carries a $75 million prize pool, will now take place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from July 6 to August 23.
The tournament's organizers cited escalating tensions in the region as the main reason for the move, specifically risks to air travel and local infrastructure in Riyadh. The event had previously been held in Riyadh in 2024 and 2025 with backing from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Despite the change of location, the PIF remains the financial engine behind the 2026 edition. France's crypto licensing framework, known as PSAN, is also expected to play a role in the event's sponsorship deals.