The 2026 Esports World Cup kicked off on Wednesday in the French capital Paris, the first edition held outside the Kingdom, 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 video games for a total prize pool of $75 million.

The Paris City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) hosted the opening press conference with large media presence, a step that reflected the city's official welcome to host the global event, which runs 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 the hosting banner. 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 a chance to win. He wished all players to perform at their best during the competitions and thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Esports World Cup Foundation for the 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 World Cup Foundation, affirmed that the tournament represents a vision that started from the Kingdom to unite the world through video games and turn them 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 grandeur of the event, but behind all that is a bigger story... It is the story of a vision born in the Kingdom,' adding that Riyadh will remain the main headquarters of the tournament and the launchpad for its global journey, while Paris represents a new stop in its international expansion.

He pointed out that the future of esports will not be shaped by one entity, but will be built through cooperation, investment, innovation, and 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 grandeur of the event from the record prize pool and impressive production to the participation of the best players in the world, but behind... pic.twitter.com/oSzJG0Neoc

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

For his part, Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, explained that moving the tournament to a new city was a major challenge, but all decisions were made based on the interests of 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,' stressing that the foundation was keen to protect the integrity of the tournament and preserve players' prizes, and to work with game publishers, clubs, and sponsors to ensure the best experience for fans.

In turn, Marina Ferrari, French Minister of Sports, Youth and Community Life, affirmed that France's success in hosting the Paris 2024 Olympics strengthened its confidence in organizing the world's biggest sporting 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 been 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 hosting banner 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 World Cup Foundation, said that the foundation seeks to ensure that the Saudi visitor enjoys 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 World Cup 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 have fun with the entertainment events in Paris. pic.twitter.com/3MC8vRytyY

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

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

As for Ibrahim bin Jibreen, CEO of Twisted Minds Club, 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.

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

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

In the same context, Mohammed Al-Nimr, Chief Commercial Officer, 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.