# Esports World Cup move to Paris accelerates global hosting plan 2026-08-15T02:52:32+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets The 2026 Esports World Cup moved from Riyadh to Paris in May after regional security concerns, with organisers given less than two months to prepare. More than 2,000 players, over 1,000 support staff and millions of fans were expected across seven weeks. The Esports Foundation credited France and Paris with helping solve a major visa challenge. Hindustan Times reports that Saudi Arabia paid France $250 million, while total tournament investment exceeded $400 million, citing an unnamed Indian esports executive. The Foundation now sees Paris as proof that the event can travel. Chief product officer Faisal Bin Homran told TimesofIndia.com that Riyadh will remain its default hub, but future editions could rotate among cities. India is being studied as a key market, including the possibility of a physical qualifier for Indian players and clubs. ## Coverage - hindustantimes.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com Tags: Esports World Cup, France, Paris, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/paris-rescues-esports-world-cup-after-riyadh-relocation/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/paris-rescues-esports-world-cup-after-riyadh-relocation/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.