Paris Esports World Cup Relocated from Riyadh, Cristiano Ronaldo Named Global Ambassador

The Esports World Cup, the largest competitive video‑gaming tournament, runs in Paris from 6 July to 24 August 2026 after being moved from Riyadh because of the war in the Middle East. Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo serves as the event’s global ambassador, linking traditional sport fans with the new generation of esports competitors.

The opening ceremony on 8 July featured performances by Aya Nakamura, DJ Snake and Théodora, and a chess exhibition by Magnus Carlsen. Over a seven‑week period, players will contest 24 titles, including Fortnite, EA FC 26, League of Legends, Call of Duty, Counter‑Strike 2 and rapid chess on Chess.com.

The total prize pool reaches US$75 million, of which US$30 million is allocated to the Club Championship – a novel format where clubs earn points across all games. The top‑scoring club wins US$7 million; Team Falcons, a Saudi outfit, claimed the first two editions, while French club Vitality placed third last year. Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said Ronaldo “unites generations” and embodies the competition’s spirit of excellence.