Esports World Cup's Move to Paris Supports Saudi Arabia's Long-Term Vision, Says Prince Faisal

The relocation of the Esports World Cup 2026 from Riyadh to Paris was never intended to signal a shift away from Saudi Arabia's long-term esports ambitions, according to HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, a Board Member of the Esports Foundation. Instead, he described the move as an opportunity to expand the tournament's global reach while keeping the Kingdom's investment strategy firmly on track.

The Esports World Cup was moved to Paris earlier this year following regional security concerns in the Middle East. While the decision prompted questions about the future of Saudi Arabia's esports initiative, Prince Faisal said the country's broader objectives remain unchanged.

Paris Expands the Esports World Cup's Global Platform

According to Prince Faisal, hosting this year's tournament in Paris allows the Esports World Cup to reach new audiences and strengthen international partnerships without affecting Saudi Arabia's long-term plans.

"The decision to hold this year's event in Paris was made to ensure the best possible environment for players, fans, partners and the global esports community," Prince Faisal said. "It reflects our commitment to delivering a world-class event under the right circumstances while remaining focused on our long-term objectives."

He added that taking the tournament to one of Europe's largest cities demonstrates the maturity of the Esports World Cup as a global property, creating new opportunities for collaboration across the international esports ecosystem while continuing to build expertise that will benefit Saudi Arabia in the years ahead.

Saudi Arabia's Esports Investments Continue

Despite the temporary relocation, Prince Faisal emphasized that Saudi Arabia remains at the center of the Esports Foundation's long-term strategy.

He said investments in gaming infrastructure, education, technology, local talent, and industry development are continuing as planned under Vision 2030, the national initiative that aims to diversify the country's economy. Saudi Arabia has previously outlined goals of growing gaming and esports into a SAR 50 billion ($13.3 billion) industry contributing around 1% of GDP, while creating approximately 39,000 jobs by the end of the decade.

Rather than replacing those initiatives, Prince Faisal said the Paris edition complements them by helping expand the Esports World Cup's commercial footprint and global recognition.

Read Also:

• BLAST Signs Multi-Year Partnership With IC Trading

• 100 Thieves Crowned Esports World Cup 2026 VALORANT Champions

A Global Tournament With Saudi Roots

The 2026 Esports World Cup is the first edition of the event to be held outside Saudi Arabia, with competitions taking place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from July 6 through Aug. 23. The festival features 25 esports titles and a record-breaking $75 million prize pool, making it the largest esports event ever staged.

While this year's competition is being hosted in France, Prince Faisal reiterated that Saudi Arabia remains the long-term home of the Esports World Cup project, with the tournament's international expansion intended to strengthen and not replace the Kingdom's ambitions to become a global hub for gaming and esports.