For its third edition, the Esports World Cup (EWC) is coming to Paris. From 6 July to 23 August 2026, the French capital will become the first international host city of this major global event dedicated to elite competitive gaming.
After two editions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Paris becomes the first international host city of the Esports World Cup, marking the start of a global rotation of host locations.
For seven weeks, the event will come alive with an extraordinary competition bringing together more than 2,000 elite players and 200 international clubs from over 100 countries, including French powerhouse Team Vitality and global giants G2 Esports and T1.
24 Major Titles on the Programme: From Classics to Surprises
The event offers an impressive variety of 24 leading titles across several major categories, ensuring there is something for every gaming fan:
Shooter and Tactical Games: Must-watch competitions featuring Counter-Strike 2, VALORANT, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Rainbow Six Siege.
Strategy, MOBA and Mind Games: Global favourites League of Legends and Dota 2, alongside digital Chess competitions that put players' strategic thinking to the test.
Action and Battle Royale: Including the highly anticipated Fortnite Reload tournament.
Sports and Fighting Games: Expect spectacular plays in Rocket League, precision racing in Trackmania, and intense matchups in Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8.
Mobile Games: High-level competition on some of the world's most popular mobile titles, including PUBG Mobile and Honor of Kings.
A Festival of Gaming, Culture and Entertainment for All
Far more than just a competition, EWC 2026 will transform into a vibrant festival open to dedicated esports fans, curious newcomers and families alike. Alongside the tournaments, visitors can immerse themselves in gaming culture through a wide range of activities:
Something for everyone: Free-play gaming zones where visitors can try the latest releases, as well as safe beginner-friendly areas designed for younger players.
Meet and learn: Opportunities to meet content creators, attend workshops and gain insight into the daily lives of professional gamers behind the scenes.
Culture and live entertainment: Spectacular opening and closing ceremonies, live concerts and immersive exhibitions combining digital art, creativity and technology.
Paris Expo Porte de Versailles: A Modernised Giant
To host this digital marathon, the Esports World Cup will take over Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Covering more than 210,000 square metres, it is one of Europe's largest exhibition and events venues.
Recently transformed through an extensive modernisation programme, this historic site - which also hosted events during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games - now features seven ultra-modern, fully connected exhibition halls, including the iconic Hall 6 with its impressive rooftop garden, all surrounded by a 1.7-kilometre green belt.
Located in Paris's 15th arrondissement, the venue offers the perfect balance between world-class esports competition and the chance to experience the French capital during the summer months. Between tournament sessions, visitors can extend their stay by discovering the Parisian art de vivre. Riverside terraces and guinguettes along the Seine, world-renowned museums, and cycling through the charming streets of Montmartre or Le Marais promise an unforgettable summer, where the excitement of esports meets the timeless charm of Paris.
By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.