PARIS: The Esports World Cup brought competitive gaming to one of the world’s most famous avenues this week, transforming the Champs-Elysees into a showcase that organizers say reflects the tournament’s ambition to become a truly global sporting event.
Large screens, esports competitions and fan experiences took over the area near the Arc de Triomphe as the tournament entered its fifth week, pairing modern gaming culture with the prestige of one of France’s best-known historical landmarks.
The Paris showcase follows the event’s relocation from Riyadh, a move organizers said was completed in just eight weeks after regional circumstances and international travel challenges forced a change of venue.
Speaking to Arab News, Esports World Cup Foundation Chief Operating Officer Mike McCabe described the move as “an extraordinary moment” and said it reflected the organization’s goal of taking esports to new audiences around the world.
Rather than simply staging another tournament, he said the foundation wants to establish the Esports World Cup as a global platform capable of showcasing esports in internationally recognized locations.
The relocation required organizers to rebuild much of the event’s operational structure, including moving more than 2,000 players from over 100 countries, teams, technical infrastructure and support staff.
McCabe praised the support provided by French authorities, including the Ministry of Sports, the City of Paris and local partners, for helping deliver the tournament on short notice.
Chief Commercial Officer Mohamed Al-Nimer said visa arrangements and logistics posed significant challenges, but cooperation from French authorities and private partners enabled the tournament to proceed successfully.
For organizers, the choice of the Champs-Elysees was deliberate.
Hosting esports on one of the world’s most recognizable avenues was intended to bring together history and innovation while introducing the competition to a broader public beyond traditional gaming audiences.
Paris was also chosen because of its established esports community, having previously hosted major international competitions in titles including League of Legends and Call of Duty.
Al-Nimer said more than 150,000 tickets have been sold during the Paris event, with the tournament attracting a global audience numbering in the hundreds of millions.
Although Saudi Arabia remains the competition’s home, he said the Esports World Cup Foundation — a nonprofit organization — aims to develop the wider esports ecosystem rather than focus on short-term commercial returns.
That includes supporting clubs, players, young talent and the wider gaming industry while helping establish professional organizations capable of competing internationally. Saudi club Team Falcons, defending Esports World Cup champions, are leading this year’s competition.
Organizers also said that expanding opportunities for women remains a priority, with plans to strengthen women’s competitions, encourage greater participation and create more pathways for female players to compete at the highest level.
McCabe also defended esports against criticism over screen time, arguing that elite competitors train in a manner comparable to professional athletes.
While the Esports World Cup is expected to return to Riyadh, organizers said the tournament is designed to travel internationally, with the Paris showcase demonstrating how esports can be staged in some of the world’s most iconic locations.
* This article originally appeared in French on Arab News en francais
