The competitions of the 2026 Esports World Cup, the first edition to be held outside the Kingdom, kicked off on Wednesday in the French capital Paris, with a record participation of more than 2,000 male and female players representing 200 clubs from over 100 countries, competing in 25 tournaments across 24 esports titles for a total prize pool of $75 million.

The Paris City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) hosted the opening press conference, with a large media presence, in a step reflecting the official welcome from the city to host the global event, which continues until August 23 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan during the conference (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire opened the conference with a speech welcoming the French capital's hosting of the first edition of the tournament outside Saudi Arabia, expressing Paris's pride in taking over the hosting mantle. He affirmed that the city supports the esports ecosystem in all its elements, from training and education to scientific research, noting that the goal is to build an integrated system that gives the best the opportunity to win, wishing all players the best of their abilities during the competitions, and thanking the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Esports Foundation for their trust in hosting the event.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Esports Federation and Member of the Board of Directors of the Esports Foundation, affirmed that the tournament represents a vision that started from the Kingdom to unite the world through esports, transforming it into a global platform that brings together players, clubs, publishers, and fans under the umbrella of competition and innovation.

Prince Faisal said: 'When people look at the Esports World Cup, the first thing that catches their attention is the magnitude of the event, but behind all that is a bigger story... It is the story of a vision born in the Kingdom.' He added that Riyadh will remain the main headquarters of the tournament and the launchpad for its global journey, while Paris represents a new station in its international expansion.

He pointed out that the future of esports will not be made by one entity, but will be built through cooperation, investment, and innovation, and by providing opportunities for players, content creators, and entrepreneurs around the world.

️| Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, during the press conference: - When people look at the Esports World Cup, the first thing that catches their attention is the magnitude of the event, from the record prize pool and impressive production to the participation of the world's best players, but behind... pic.twitter.com/oSzJG0Neoc

— Asharq Al-Awsat - Sports (@aawsat_spt) July 8, 2026

For his part, Ralph Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation, explained that moving the tournament to a new city was a big challenge, but all decisions were made based on the interests of the players and clubs.

He said: 'The World Cup is not just a stop on the competition calendar; it is the culmination of a full year of training, qualification, travel, and competitive pressure,' affirming that the Foundation worked to protect the integrity of the tournament and preserve the players' prizes, and to work with game publishers, clubs, and sponsors to ensure the best experience for the fans.

In turn, Marina Ferrari, French Minister of Sports, Youth, and Community Life, affirmed that France's success in hosting the Paris 2024 Olympics boosted its confidence in organizing the biggest global sports events, noting that hosting the Esports World Cup represents an opportunity to enhance French expertise and create new opportunities for local companies.

The conference had opened with a speech by Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, who welcomed the hosting of the tournament, affirming the city's support for the esports ecosystem through education, training, and scientific research, expressing Paris's pride in receiving the tournament hosting baton after the Kingdom, and calling on all players to give their best.

In exclusive statements to Asharq Al-Awsat, Faisal bin Hamran, CEO of Esports at the Esports Foundation, said that the Foundation seeks to provide the Saudi visitor with an integrated experience that combines following the competitions and enjoying the accompanying entertainment events in the French capital.

️| Faisal bin Hamran, CEO of Esports at the Esports Foundation, during his talk to Asharq Al-Awsat: - Our goal for the Saudi visitor to the tournament is to enjoy as much as possible and to enjoy the entertainment events in Paris. pic.twitter.com/3MC8vRytyY

— Asharq Al-Awsat - Sports (@aawsat_spt) July 8, 2026

For his part, Musaid Al-Dosari, President of Team Falcons, affirmed that the Saudi player has become a role model on the global stage, noting that winning two titles in the Esports World Cup has enhanced the Kingdom's presence and impact in international competitions.

As for Ibrahim bin Jibreen, CEO of Twisted Minds, he explained that the club reduced the number of games it participates in this year, in order to manage costs and focus on selecting the best players capable of competing.

️| Musaid Al-Dosari, President of Team Falcons, to Asharq Al-Awsat: - I believe that the Saudi player today has become a role model. We won two Esports World Cup titles and our impact has become great. pic.twitter.com/0nvqLqmWWS

— Asharq Al-Awsat - Sports (@aawsat_spt) July 8, 2026

In the same context, Mohammed Al-Nimr, CEO of Commercial Affairs, affirmed that all Saudi sponsors and brands are of great importance to the tournament, stressing that each partner has added value and a different role in supporting the esports ecosystem, without favoring any particular brand.