Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Paris hosts Esports World Cup with record $75 million prize
Esports means people playing video games against each other in competitions, just like athletes play real sports.
The Esports World Cup is one of the biggest esports events in the world, and in 2026 it is happening in Paris, France.
The whole city was decorated with signs, billboards, and giant screens so everyone could see what was going on.
More than 2,000 players from over 100 countries came to compete.
They are playing 25 different game tournaments for a huge prize of $75 million, which is the biggest prize the event has ever offered.
The event was first planned for the city of Riyadh, but it had to move to Paris only a few weeks before it started because of tensions in the Middle East.
Lots of people wanted to watch, and organizers said more than 150,000 tickets were sold.
Some famous people came too, including basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who met fans, and chess champion Magnus Carlsen, who was playing in the games.
Organizers said the event was so popular that the finals were completely sold out.
The Esports World Cup 2026 has taken over Paris for seven weeks, with more than 150,000 tickets already sold.
The event was moved from Riyadh just weeks before it began due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.
More than 2,000 players from over 200 clubs across more than 100 countries are competing for a record $75 million prize pool across 25 tournaments.
NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo drew big crowds at a fan meet-and-greet, while chess icon Magnus Carlsen is playing at the event.
Esports Foundation COO Mike McCabe called Paris 'an exceptional host' and said finals have sold out across the main stages.
- Who
- More than 2,000 players from over 200 clubs and more than 100 countries, joined by NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo and chess great Magnus Carlsen; the event is run by the Esports Foundation.
- What
- The Esports World Cup 2026, a seven-week esports festival with a record $75 million prize pool across 25 tournaments.
- When
- In 2026, for seven weeks; exact dates were not specified in the articles.
- Where
- Paris, France, centered at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
- Why
- Originally planned for Riyadh, the event was relocated to Paris weeks before opening because of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
- Event
- Esports World Cup 2026
- Location
- Paris, France (Paris Expo Porte de Versailles)
- Duration
- Seven weeks
- Prize pool
- $75 million (approx. INR 715 crore) across 25 tournaments
- Participants
- 2,000+ players from 200+ clubs across 100+ countries
- Tickets sold
- 150,000+
- Original host city
- Riyadh — moved due to Middle East tensions
- Notable attendees
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Magnus Carlsen