Aircraft with 'Esports' Cup Logo Prepares to Depart for Paris

Khaled Daghriri from Jeddah

Monday, July 20, 2026 22:42 | 2 minutes read

Part of the unveiling of the aircraft in Jeddah today.

The Esports Foundation announced the expansion of its partnership with Saudi Airlines to become the official air carrier for the 2026 Esports World Cup, whose competitions are currently taking place in the French capital Paris, specifically at the Paris Porte de Versailles exhibition center in its first international edition.

Saudi Airlines unveiled the first commercial aircraft fully adorned with the Esports World Cup logo, to operate flights between Riyadh and Paris throughout the tournament period, before continuing to operate it on its international destination network for two years, reflecting the strategic partnership between the two sides and embodying the tournament's global presence.

The aircraft was unveiled during an official event at the Saudi Airlines Engineering headquarters in Jeddah, attended by government officials, partners, media professionals, and content creators.

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Transporting clubs, players, and fans

The step comes as an extension of the cooperation between the two parties, as Saudi Airlines will provide a set of initiatives and services dedicated to tournament participants, including transporting players, clubs, fans, content creators, and work teams, in addition to offering tournament-specific content via in-flight entertainment systems, including the documentary film Esports World Cup 'Level Up', as well as broadcasting selected events and competitions through Saudi Airlines lounges throughout the tournament period.

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Supporting elite fans

Saudi Airlines also continues to support the presence of the esports community and host a number of participants in the tournament's 'Elite Fans' program, allowing them to experience the event firsthand; in addition to transporting a number of content creators from the Middle East and North Africa region to the French capital to cover the tournament and highlight its activities for the audience.

Saudi Airlines Fortnite tournament

As part of accompanying initiatives, Saudi Airlines launches a community tournament in Fortnite via a new virtual map featuring an airport and an aircraft inspired by the plane adorned with the tournament logo, where players compete to win tickets to attend the 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris.

The 2026 Esports World Cup is held in the French capital Paris from July 6 to August 23, with the participation of more than 2,000 players representing 200 clubs from over 100 countries, competing in 25 tournaments across 24 of the world's most popular games, with a record total prize pool exceeding $75 million.

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