‘Riyadh remains the hub’: official discusses EWC move to Paris

RIYADH: The recent decision to shift the Esports World Cup from Riyadh to Paris after two successful events in Saudi Arabia’s capital has sparked discussion across the esports industry, with many wondering what the move means for the future of the competition.

The move comes amid a year of disruption for several major sporting events in the region. The 2026 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was canceled earlier this year, while AFC Champions League Elite matches were delayed before ultimately returning to Jeddah. The EWC soon followed, announcing Paris as the host city for its third event.

However, Esports World Cup Foundation Chief Product Officer Faisal bin Homran believes the decision ultimately strengthens Riyadh’s position as the birthplace of the tournament, demonstrating how a competition launched in the Kingdom has grown into a global property capable of attracting interest from major esports destinations.

“Riyadh will always be home,” he told Arab News. “The EWC has reached a level of maturity, credibility and legitimacy in its homeland that cities and countries are now actively seeking to host it.”

“The opportunity presented itself in Paris,” he said. “And if you ask me, I think it is a good time to test the IP outside of Saudi Arabia.”

Before making such a move, however, he stressed the importance of ensuring that the tournament’s core stakeholders remain at the center of every decision.

“If the opportunity is good for the clubs, the players, the community and publishers, we will accept the opportunity and take it further,” he said.

And taking it further may eventually mean expanding beyond Europe.

“At some point, we expect to have conversations with other cities and regions because the appetite for the EWC