The Esports World Cup (EWC) made an unexpected but strategic shift this year, moving its 2026 edition from Riyadh to Paris. This alteration, necessitated by regional security concerns in May, was initially a practical response but has since transformed into a catalyst for the tournament’s global aspirations. Faisal Bin Homran, the Chief Product Officer of the Esports Foundation, revealed that this unforeseen change has significantly expedited their plans to transform the EWC into a truly international, rotating event.
Bin Homran explained that while Riyadh remains the foundational home of the EWC, the Paris move proved that the tournament possesses the adaptability to travel. What was initially envisioned as a rotational strategy for 2028, 2029, or even 2036, has been unexpectedly accelerated, demonstrating the event’s readiness for global mobility. This Paris iteration is thus seen internally as far more than a temporary international stop; it’s a concrete demonstration of the EWC’s future as a global intellectual property. Bin Homran envisions the EWC eventually rotating through various cities worldwide, though the specific locations and timelines are yet to be determined.
The selection of Paris as the alternative host was not coincidental. Bin Homran highlighted the city’s robust infrastructure, its established esports audience, and its recent experience in successfully hosting major esports tournaments as crucial factors that facilitated the swift transition. Despite the logistical advantages, the most significant hurdle encountered during the compressed six-week preparation period was the procurement of a large volume of visas. However, with strong support from French authorities and the city of Paris, this challenge was overcome, underscoring the collaborative effort involved.
The Paris experience has also refined the Esports Foundation’s overarching vision for the EWC. Bin Homran emphasizes that it transcends a mere competition, instead conceptualizing it as a comprehensive gaming festival built upon four core principles: showcasing the finest games, the most skilled clubs and players, and creating an immersive experience that appeals to a broader audience beyond dedicated esports enthusiasts. This ethos is evident in Paris, where the event features dedicated fan zones and diverse activities alongside the tournaments. The goal is to attract families and general gamers, thereby widening the appeal beyond the niche audience that follows specific esports titles or individual teams.
Looking ahead, the Foundation aims to expand this inclusive product into new markets, with India identified as a high-priority region. Bin Homran considers India “one of the most important markets” due to its vast player base, vibrant gaming culture, and influential content creators. However, he also highlighted a significant challenge: the fragmentation caused by different game versions across global markets. He expressed a desire for publishers to globalize their games, ensuring a unified experience that allows players from diverse regions to compete without artificial barriers. This alignment, he believes, is crucial for fostering truly international competition.
The Esports Foundation is actively exploring avenues to strengthen its presence in India, including the implementation of qualifiers and localized tournaments. Bin Homran articulated a specific vision for this expansion: establishing physical qualifiers in key Indian markets, creating a “Road to EWC India.” These dedicated qualifiers would focus exclusively on Indian players and clubs, providing a direct pathway for them to compete in the main Esports World Cup. He firmly believes that India possesses all the necessary ingredients to produce top-tier esports talent and that any perceived lack is primarily due to a misalignment among major stakeholders, particularly concerning publisher licenses. As publishers increasingly focus on globalizing their games and enhancing their presence in India, Bin Homran anticipates a rapid acceleration of these plans. While specific cities, dates, or tournament formats for India are still under development, the Foundation is actively researching and hopes to significantly increase its activity in the country soon, with Bin Homran personally committed to overseeing this expansion.
The success of the Paris move serves as a powerful testament to the EWC’s adaptability and reinforces the Foundation’s conviction in its global future. The immediate destination for the next rotation remains undecided, but the overarching direction is clear: a truly global event, with India playing a pivotal role in its future.
