There are reports that this year, the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 will see a major change of venue. A number of reports have indicated that the tournament could be moved from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Paris, France over rising tensions in the Middle East.
There has not been any official confirmation from the organisers so far. But discussions about a possible move are already underway in the esports community. Teams, fans and tournament organisers are now waiting for an official update on the final venue of one of the biggest gaming events in the world.
Why EWC 2026 Could Leave Riyadh
Saudi Arabia has a proven track record of successfully hosting the Esports World Cup and has heavily invested in esports infrastructure. The country has turned into one of the biggest names in competitive gaming in recent years.
Yet, recent geopolitical tensions surrounding:
- Iran
- Israel
- The United States
have reportedly created security concerns around hosting a massive international esports event in the region.
With thousands of players, staff members, content creators, and fans expected to travel for the event, organizers are believed to be reviewing all safety-related factors carefully.
Paris Emerging As The Favorite Replacement
If the tournament is moved, Paris is currently being viewed as one of the strongest replacement options.
France already has:
- Strong esports infrastructure
- Modern stadiums
- Good public transport systems
- Experience hosting international gaming events
Paris has hosted several major esports competitions in the past, making it a reliable option for a global tournament like EWC.
Another important factor is the time zone difference. France’s timing is still manageable for international broadcasts, which helps tournament organizers maintain smooth streaming schedules for global viewers.
Moving A Huge Event Will Not Be Easy
Even though Paris looks like a strong option, shifting such a massive event at the last moment could create many challenges.
Organizers may need to quickly arrange:
- Stadium bookings
- Hotel accommodations
- Transport systems
- Event staff
- Production setup
This becomes even more difficult during Europe’s busy travel season.
Large esports events require months of preparation, and changing cities close to the tournament date could increase pressure on everyone involved.
Accommodation Costs Could Rise
One of the biggest concerns around a possible Paris move is cost.
Compared to many other cities, Paris is known for expensive:
- Hotels
- Food
- Transport
- Event spaces
This could increase spending for:
- Esports teams
- Tournament staff
- Fans attending the event
- Production companies
Smaller organizations may especially feel pressure if travel costs suddenly rise.
Visa Issues Could Also Become A Problem
Another challenge could be visa approvals.
Saudi Arabia has previously offered a smoother entry process for esports players and tournament participants. France follows the Schengen visa system, which can sometimes take longer depending on the country.
Because of this, teams from:
- Asia
- Africa
- South America
could face additional paperwork and travel delays if the event moves to Europe.
Some fans online have already raised concerns about whether all players would receive visas on time before the tournament begins.
Fans Waiting For Official Confirmation
The esports community is watching this closely, for now. Many fans are hoping organisers will clarify soon so teams can prepare properly for travel and bootcamps.
Despite the uncertainty, the excitement around the Esports World Cup is at an all-time high. The event is expected to include some of the biggest games and organisations from around the world.
If Paris is officially announced as the new host city then this could be one of the biggest venue changes in esports history.
For the moment, players and fans can only wait for the final word from the EWC organisers.
