President of France Emmanuel Macron announced in his X that the Esports World Cup 2026 will take place in Paris. Macron thanks Saudi Arabia for trusting France, and says he is proud to host another global event, referencing the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

Emmanuel Macron

Emmanuel Macron

President of France

“The EWC will be held in Paris!

It is a historic first and an honor for us. Thank you to Saudi Arabia for their trust. We are ready to host the Esports World Cup 2026.

Very proud to welcome the world once again!”

Rumors that the Esports World Cup 2026 venue will change from Saudi Arabia to France appeared on social media on May 9. The rumor spread in the chess community and in other esports disciplines. Esports World Cup announced the venue change on their social media on May 20.

The Esports World Cup is a premier annual international gaming tournament and festival held in Riyadh. The chess event at the 2026 edition of the tournament will run from August 11-15, and will feature a $1,500,000 prize fund.

Credit: Emmanuel Macron X