TL;DR
The 2024 Esports World Cup is expected to be held in Paris instead of Riyadh amid ongoing Middle East conflict. The move is based on reports from organizers, though not officially confirmed. The change highlights geopolitical influences on major esports events.
The Esports World Cup is expected to be hosted in Paris this year instead of Riyadh, according to sources close to the organizers, amid escalating regional conflict in the Middle East. This potential move comes as geopolitical tensions threaten to impact international sporting and esports events, with the decision not yet officially announced.
Multiple sources, including reports from GamesBeat, indicate that the organizers of the Esports World Cup (EWC) are planning to relocate the 2024 tournament from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to Paris, France. The move is believed to be a response to the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has caused widespread instability, flight cancellations, and security concerns in the region. The EWC, which features major titles such as Valorant, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike 2, is scheduled to take place from July to August with a prize pool exceeding $75 million.
While the organizers have not publicly confirmed the change, they have reportedly communicated the decision to stakeholders behind closed doors. The 2024 event, which attracted over 3 million fans in Riyadh in 2025, may now be hosted in Paris, though details remain unconfirmed. The move follows the 2024 edition’s success in Riyadh, despite some controversy over Saudi Arabia’s sportswashing efforts and human rights concerns, which have drawn criticism from various watchdog groups and some participants.
Why It Matters
This development underscores how geopolitical instability can influence global esports events, potentially reshaping the landscape of international competitions. The shift from Riyadh to Paris reflects broader concerns about regional security and the reputational risks associated with hosting events in conflict zones. For fans, players, and sponsors, the move could impact participation, viewership, and the tournament’s overall perception, highlighting the growing intersection between geopolitics and esports.
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Background
The Esports World Cup was inaugurated in Riyadh in 2024, organized by a non-profit arm of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has invested heavily in sports and entertainment as part of its sportswashing strategy. The 2025 edition also took place in Riyadh, despite mounting criticism over human rights abuses linked to the Saudi regime. The tournament’s location has been a point of controversy, with some participants and developers withdrawing or refusing to participate due to ethical concerns. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, involving Israel, Iran, and other regional actors, has created a volatile environment, prompting questions about the safety and appropriateness of hosting international events in the region.
“The tournament will be moved to Paris this year due to the situation in the Middle East.”
— Anonymous source close to EWC organizers
“We are currently evaluating options for hosting locations and will communicate official details soon.”
— A spokesperson for the EWC (not yet confirmed)
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet confirmed publicly whether the event will indeed be moved to Paris, and details such as the exact venue and dates remain unclear. The organizers have not issued an official statement, and negotiations may still be ongoing. Additionally, the broader impact of regional instability on other aspects of the tournament, such as sponsorship and participant logistics, remains uncertain.
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What’s Next
The organizers are expected to release an official statement confirming the location and details of the 2024 Esports World Cup in the coming weeks. Stakeholders and participants are awaiting clarification, and further updates will likely address logistical arrangements, security measures, and how the change might affect the tournament’s format and viewership.
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Key Questions
Has the Esports World Cup officially announced its location change?
No, the change has not yet been officially announced. Reports are based on sources close to the organizers, and an official statement is expected soon.
Why is the event reportedly moving from Riyadh to Paris?
According to reports, the move is due to the ongoing conflict and instability in the Middle East, which raises security concerns and logistical challenges for hosting the event in Riyadh.
Will the tournament dates change if the location shifts?
This remains uncertain. The scheduled dates are July to August 2024, but any change in venue could potentially impact the timeline, pending official confirmation.
How might this move affect participants and viewers?
The change could influence travel plans, participation, and viewership demographics, depending on the final venue and organization details. It may also impact the tournament’s reputation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
