Aircraft with Esports World Cup logo prepares to depart to 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 Arabian Airlines to become the official air carrier for the 2026 Esports World Cup, which is currently being held in the French capital Paris, specifically at the Paris Porte de Versailles exhibition center, in its first international edition.

Saudia revealed the first commercial aircraft fully adorned with the Esports World Cup logo, which will operate flights between Riyadh and Paris throughout the tournament period, before continuing operations on its international route network for two years, reflecting the strategic partnership between both sides and embodying the tournament's global presence.

The aircraft was unveiled during an official event at the Saudia Aerospace Engineering facility in Jeddah, attended by government officials, partners, media, and content creators.

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Transporting clubs, players, and fans

The step extends the collaboration between the two parties, as Saudia 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 onboard entertainment systems, including the documentary 'Level Up' about the Esports World Cup, as well as broadcasting selected events and competitions in Saudia lounges throughout the tournament.

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Supporting elite fans

Saudia 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 events to the public.

Saudia's Fortnite tournament

As part of accompanying initiatives, Saudia is launching 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 will take place 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 most popular global games, with a record total prize pool exceeding $75 million.

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