EWC 2026: The competition will ultimately be held in Paris

Where Will the Event Be Held?

According to the latest rumors, part of the event is expected to take place at Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles, the venue that notably hosts Paris Games Week.

The venue, owned by the City of Paris, is operated by Viparis (Palais des Congrès, Le Bourget, Carrousel du Louvre, etc.), a 50% subsidiary of the real estate group Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, which itself is more than 15% owned by Xavier Niel.

A partnership between the URW group and the Saudis had already been established in 2025, through a 10-year agreement with Cenomi Centers, a shopping mall group, to operate the exclusive license of the Westfield brand.

The relocation also raises a series of logistical and competitive questions. Tickets already sold on the partner platform will be subject to a refund and/or a transfer process, the details of which will be clarified in the coming days. The 40 partner clubs selected last March, broadcasters, as well as the publishers involved will all also need to adapt their arrangements.

A Change That Brings Opportunities

The Esports Foundation is also counting on the mobilization of major French teams such as Team Vitality and Gentlemates already members of the Partner Program—to rally local fans and, more broadly, contribute to the event's visibility.

Following the event's relocation and Heroic's departure from the program, the deck has been reshuffled and the active presence of Karmine Corp

The RFT editorial team will cover the situation as it develops, in line with the foundation's official communications.