Breaking: EWC confirms move to Paris after weeks of speculation

The Esports World Cup Foundation have today confirmed that the 2026 edition of their multi-million dollar event series will be moving to Paris "In light of the current regional situation", a not too subtle allusion to the ongoing US-Iran war that has plunged the region into chaos.

The announcement follows weeks of speculation, rumors, and reports that all but confirmed the event would be moving away from Riyadh, with the EWCF keeping their cards tight to their chest will evaluating the regional situation.

In the announcement, the EWCF did not confirm a venue for the relocated event outside of it being in Paris, while also confirming the event will be held from July 6th to August 23rd.

HLTV confirmed that the CS2 event has been granted a exception by Valve to move the event, an unsurprising gesture as the war in the region is as close to a clear force majeure to change the Additional Info location rules in the TOR as possible. HLTV also confirmed that the format of the event will be unchanged.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation released the following statement on the move:

"Riyadh helped turn the Esports World Cup into a global phenomenon. Riyadh is the home of EWC and one of the world’s leading hubs for esports, powered by an incredible community of fans and long-term ambition for the future of the sport. This year, we’re excited to bring EWC to Paris for its first edition outside Saudi Arabia. Paris has hosted some of the world’s biggest sporting events and is one of the great global capitals of sport, culture and entertainment. Together with the passion of French fans and the strong support we’ve received locally, we’re excited to bring the global esports community there for the next chapter of EWC. Paris now becomes the first international chapter in EWC history."

The move will likely be viewed by a temporary setback by Saudi Arabia in their efforts to draw tourists and investment into the ultra-conservative kingdom, with the EWC and ENC often being criticized as a clear case of "sportswashing". Saudi Arabia has been criticized for its historic and ongoing mistreatment of the LGBTQ+ community, women, religious and ethnic minorities, among others, and its reactionary and regressive positions on human rights.