From Riyadh to Paris: How EWC's unexpected move accelerated its global plans
Paris was not originally part of the Esports World Cup’s immediate expansion plan, but the 2026 move from Riyadh has accelerated its ambitions to become a global, rotating event. Faisal Bin Homran, chief product officer of the Esports Foundation, says EWC is now ready to travel, while Riyadh remains its hub. He also reveals plans for physical qualifiers in key markets, including a potential “Road…
Paris becomes the 2026 Esports World Cup host after Riyadh's move due to security concerns. Esports Foundation's chief product officer, Faisal Bin Homran, notes that the Paris relocation has accelerated plans to take the tournament globally. The city's infrastructure, esports community, and experience in hosting major events made it the perfect choice, despite visa challenges.
Bin Homran emphasizes that EWC is not just a tournament but a gaming festival featuring the best games, clubs, players, and attractions. The ambition is to expand the product to other markets, with India being a key focus due to its large player base and growing gaming culture. However, Bin Homran points out that publishers need to align their games globally to avoid version-specific barriers.
The Foundation is planning Indian qualifiers and tournaments to increase its presence in the country. Despite no specific city, date, or tournament format announced, Bin Homran remains optimistic about the feasibility of hosting an EWC India soon.
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