Greek Freak, Magnus Carlsen, gaming: Something for everyone at Esports World Cup

The Arc de Triomphe was adorned with the vibrant hues of the Esports World Cup. A massive screen at the Trocadéro displayed live matches, while billboards along the Champs-Élysées showcased the players' faces instead of fragrances. Paris streets buzzed with excitement as fans gathered around the exhibition centre entrance. For a span of seven weeks, the French capital transformed into the global hub of competitive gaming, or Esports.

Over 2,000 players, 200 clubs, and representatives from more than 100 countries converged in the City of Light. A record-breaking $75 million prize pool was up for grabs across 25 tournaments, and the city, known for its history of hosting grand events and cultural diversity, welcomed this new phenomenon with open arms. However, the journey to hosting the Esports World Cup 2026 was not without challenges.

Originally planned to take place in Riyadh for the third consecutive year, the event was abruptly relocated just weeks before due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. This necessitated a logistical feat, with teams and equipment airlifted across continents, visas expedited, and a venue rapidly transformed into the Esport World Cup 2026's epicenter.

As one stepped out of Charles de Gaulle International Airport and headed towards the city center, it was evident that every effort was made to ensure the event's visibility. The underground subways, metro stations, hoardings, and billboards along the highways formed a meticulously planned campaign to ensure the EWC was impossible to miss.

Nassim, a local Parisian, noticed the promotional efforts from a distance. "We can see the promotion, the marketing, from a remote standpoint. It's really huge. Even if you're not from the Esports community, you can see it in the streets... the billboards of the event, and it happening for so many weeks reflects the scale of this event," he remarked.

Nassim, who is a casual gamer, was particularly drawn to the event due to the presence of NBA legend Giannis Antetokounmpo. The NBA star's visit sparked a surge in interest, attracting a large crowd. Various attractions catered to different interests, from fan meet-and-greet sessions with Antetokounmpo to signatures from other gaming icons.

Octave, a young enthusiast, was delighted after receiving signatures from his favorite players, hoping to see them again the following day. He aspires to pursue a career in competitive gaming professionally. James Kleban, the father of Octave, expressed his excitement, stating that the event offered a great experience and a unique opportunity to see professional athletes.

Kleban, who plays Fortnite and Minecraft, hopes to see these games included in the Esports category. James' mother, initially surprised by the franchise-based representation in Esports, found herself considering the Esports Nation Cup, where players compete under their franchises but represent their countries. Mike McCabe, the Chief Operating Officer of the Esports Foundation, praised Paris for being an exceptional host, with more than 150,000 tickets sold and sold-out finals across main stages.

McCabe emphasized the event's impact on the city and its global reach, highlighting Paris's deep connection to Esports and the foundation's mission to introduce the event to new audiences.