Esports World Cup: From Riyadh to Global Stage

Riyadh — Faisal bin Hamran, Executive Director of Esports at the Saudi Esports Federation, has confirmed that the expansion of the Esports World Cup beyond Saudi Arabia represents the natural continuation of the event’s remarkable success in Riyadh and marks its evolution into a truly global platform. In an exclusive interview with the Saudi Press Agency (WAS) on the sidelines of the 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris, bin Hamran explained that hosting the current edition in the French capital has provided a valuable opportunity to attract new audiences from across Europe and to better understand their interests and expectations.

Context and Background

The Esports World Cup was launched in Riyadh in 2024 and quickly established itself as the premier event in global competitive gaming. After two highly successful editions in the Saudi capital, the decision to expand the tournament internationally reflects the Kingdom’s broader strategy to position itself as a global hub for esports and digital entertainment. The 2026 edition in Paris represents the first time the event has been held outside Saudi Arabia, signaling a new chapter in its development.

Bin Hamran emphasized that the expansion was a necessary step following the achievements of the first two editions. “This project was born in Riyadh, but it is a global project,” he stated, underscoring the international ambitions of the initiative from its inception. The selection of Paris was based on the city’s world-class infrastructure and its extensive experience in hosting major international events and competitions, making it an ideal venue for the tournament’s European debut.

Key Details

The 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris features more than 2,000 players representing over 200 clubs from more than 100 countries, according to official figures. These numbers highlight the rapid annual growth of the event and its transformation from a competition that began in Riyadh into a global platform for esports. Bin Hamran noted that the experience gained in Paris will be used to develop future editions, with planning for the 2027 tournament already underway.

“The players and fans are the core of this project,” bin Hamran said, adding that the competition’s development is driven by the needs of players, the expectations of audiences, and the insights gained from each edition. This player-centric approach has been a hallmark of the Esports World Cup since its inception and has contributed to its growing popularity worldwide.

International Impact

The successful staging of the Esports World Cup in Paris demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s ability to export its vision for esports to the global stage. By taking the tournament to Europe, the Kingdom is not only showcasing its organizational capabilities but also fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange through gaming. The event has attracted significant attention from European audiences, media, and industry stakeholders, further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the global esports ecosystem.

The expansion also aligns with the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its economy and promote international engagement. The Esports World Cup serves as a catalyst for investment, tourism, and technological innovation, creating opportunities for partnerships between Saudi and international companies. As the event continues to grow, it is expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of competitive gaming worldwide.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Esports World Cup is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy, empower youth, and enhance the Kingdom’s global presence. By investing in esports and digital entertainment, Saudi Arabia is creating new economic opportunities, fostering innovation, and providing a platform for young talent to excel on the world stage. The event’s expansion to Paris and its planned growth reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to becoming a global leader in the sector and to sharing its success with the world.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Esports World Cup?

A1. The Esports World Cup is a major international esports tournament launched in Riyadh in 2024. It brings together top players and clubs from around the world to compete in various gaming titles, serving as a global platform for competitive gaming.

Q2. Who is Faisal bin Hamran?

A2. Faisal bin Hamran is the Executive Director of Esports at the Saudi Esports Federation. He oversees the development and expansion of esports initiatives in Saudi Arabia and plays a key role in organizing the Esports World Cup.

Q3. Why was the 2026 Esports World Cup held in Paris?

A3. Paris was chosen for the 2026 edition due to its world-class infrastructure and extensive experience in hosting major international events. The move aimed to attract new audiences from across Europe and expand the event’s global reach.

Q4. How many players are participating in the 2026 event?

A4. More than 2,000 players from over 200 clubs and more than 100 countries are participating in the 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris, according to official figures released by the organizers.

Q5. How many clubs are represented in the tournament?

A5. Over 200 clubs from around the world are represented in the 2026 Esports World Cup. This demonstrates the event’s broad international appeal and its ability to attract top esports organizations.

Q6. How many countries are represented in the 2026 event?

A6. More than 100 countries are represented at the 2026 Esports World Cup. This global participation highlights the event’s success in becoming a truly international platform for competitive gaming.

Q7. When did the Esports World Cup begin?

A7. The Esports World Cup was first held in Riyadh in 2024. It was launched as part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish itself as a global hub for esports and digital entertainment under Vision 2030.

Q8. What is the significance of holding the event outside Saudi Arabia?

A8. Holding the event outside Saudi Arabia for the first time demonstrates the Kingdom’s ability to export its successful esports model globally. It also helps attract new audiences and fosters international collaboration in the gaming industry.

Q9. What did bin Hamran say about the project’s origins?

A9. Bin Hamran stated that “this project was born in Riyadh, but it is a global project.” He emphasized that the expansion is a natural progression of the event’s success and its international ambitions.

Q10. How does the Esports World Cup benefit Saudi Arabia?

A10. The event enhances Saudi Arabia’s global standing in esports, promotes economic diversification, creates investment opportunities, and showcases the Kingdom’s organizational capabilities. It also supports youth empowerment and technological innovation.

Q11. What are the plans for future editions?

A11. Planning for the 2027 edition has already begun, according to bin Hamran. Insights gained from the Paris event will be used to further develop the tournament and enhance the experience for players and fans.

Q12. How does the event support Vision 2030?

A12. The Esports World Cup aligns with Vision 2030 by diversifying the economy, empowering youth, and boosting Saudi Arabia’s global presence. It also stimulates growth in the digital entertainment sector and creates new opportunities.

Q13. What role do players and fans play in the event’s development?

A13. Bin Hamran described players and fans as the core of the project. Their needs and expectations drive the development of the competition, ensuring that each edition improves and remains relevant to the community.

Q14. How has the event grown since its inception?

A14. The Esports World Cup has grown significantly, expanding from a national event in Riyadh to a global tournament with participants from over 100 countries. Its annual growth reflects its increasing popularity and influence.

Q15. What makes Paris a suitable host city?

A15. Paris has extensive experience in hosting major international events and boasts world-class infrastructure. These factors made it an ideal choice for the first edition of the Esports World Cup held outside Saudi Arabia.

Q16. What is the Saudi Esports Federation?

A16. The Saudi Esports Federation is the national body responsible for developing and promoting esports in Saudi Arabia. It organizes major tournaments, supports players, and works to position the Kingdom as a global esports leader.

Q17. How does the event contribute to cultural exchange?

A17. By bringing together players and fans from diverse countries, the Esports World Cup fosters cultural exchange and international collaboration. It showcases Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and its commitment to global engagement through gaming.

Q18. What economic impact does the event have?

A18. The Esports World Cup stimulates economic activity through tourism, investment, and job creation. It also attracts international companies and partners, contributing to the growth of the digital entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia.

Q19. What are the future ambitions for the Esports World Cup?

A19. The organizers aim to continue expanding the event globally, attracting more players and fans, and solidifying its position as the premier esports tournament. Future editions will build on the successes of previous ones.

Q20. How can international audiences follow the Esports World Cup?

A20. International audiences can follow the Esports World Cup through official broadcasts, online streaming platforms, and social media channels. The event is widely covered by international media, ensuring global accessibility.

---