Paris hosts Esports World Cup 2026 with $75 million prize pool

The Esports World Cup 2026 opened in Paris on 2 July, marking the first edition held outside Riyadh after organizers cited regional instability. The week‑long opening ceremony at La Seine Musicale kicked off a seven‑week festival featuring 25 titles, over 2,000 athletes from more than 100 nations, and a total prize pool of $75 million. flagship Valorant competition runs 2‑12 July with a $2 million purse, while Dota 2 offers a $2 million prize and determines the final ESL Pro Tour champion.

France’s new sponsorship rules now permit licensed cryptocurrency firms to place branding on esports team jerseys, a regulatory shift that could reshape crypto‑esports partnerships. Economic impact on Paris is estimated at €300‑400 million. In the Dota 2 group stage, Team Falcons and Nigma Galaxy topped their groups to advance to the playoffs.

The event underscores the growing cultural and commercial weight of competitive gaming in Europe.