Inside the Esports World Cup 2026 Fan Fest: Where gaming, culture and community meet

DUBAI: Community events and activities are at the heart of the fan experience during the Esports World Cup, and represent one of the core values of the competition currently taking place in France.

Beyond the thrilling action on the tournament stages at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, this year marks a new chapter for an event born in Saudi Arabia as it makes its first appearance outside the Kingdom and brings its signature festival-style experience to Europe with Fan Fest, where aficionados can visit a Team Falcons challenge zone, move to an open-play area, then attend a creator meet-and-greet or a Play Quest, all without switching venues.

Running alongside the Esports World Cup, which began on July 6 and continues until Aug. 23, Fan Fest gives visitors another way to experience an event that has brought together more than 2,000 players from 200 clubs in more than 100 countries to compete across 25 tournaments featuring 24 games.

Here are some of the most notable Fan Fest features.

There is always a crowd around the Qiddiya City Booth. Some of the visitors you find there are taking on gaming challenges, others are capturing AI-powered moments to share, while groups also gather to meet their favorite creators or discover what’s coming to the Six Flags Qiddiya and Aquarabia theme parks.

It is the kind of space where fans do not just stop by for a quick visit; they stay, explore and immerse themselves in the experience. With its blend of gaming, entertainment and social moments, the booth reflects the spirit of the competition and every visit becomes a memory worth sharing.

The Fan Fest is not simply a place fans go to play; it is where they come face-to-face with some of the personalities who are shaping gaming and