Esports World Cup opens new international chapter with spectacular Paris ceremony

A night built around Paris

The sweeping orchestral score, augmented reality visuals, cinematic storytelling and performances from some of France’s biggest music acts celebrated the players, clubs, and host city, setting the stage for seven weeks of world-class competitive gaming in the French capital.

The show opened with chess legend Magnus Carlsen taking part in a short exhibition match before his opponent resigned, paving the way for Aya Nakamura to take the stage with a performance of one of her biggest hits. Fellow French star Theodora followed, bringing her signature energy to the ceremony before the evening reached one of its most symbolic moments.

Representatives from some of the biggest esports clubs took to the stage, including hometown favorites Karmine Corp and Vitality. They were followed by 2025 Club Championship winners Team Falcons, who entered with the coveted Club Championship trophy in hand, setting the tone for the race ahead as the world’s top clubs compete for this year’s title.

DJ Snake then closed the global broadcast with a high-energy performance before extending his set for the live crowd in Paris, with Mosimann delivering the final performance of the night and bringing the Opening Ceremony to an electrifying close.

A historic first for the Esports World Cup

“The Opening Ceremony is our welcome to the world – that our historic event is open,” said Mike McCabe, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer at the Esports Foundation. “As we bring EWC 2026 to Paris for the first time, we wanted to celebrate the city through artists who have helped shape music and culture in France today. Aya Nakamura, DJ Snake and Theodora each represent something different, but together they reflect the creativity and influence that make Paris such a special place to host this event.”

The 2026 edition marks the first time the Esports World Cup has been staged outside Riyadh, bringing more than 2,000 players, 200 clubs and representatives from over 100 countries to the French capital. Across 25 tournaments in 24 games, competitors will battle for a record-breaking $75 million prize pool as the EWC begins a new international chapter.

The competition takes center stage

With the Opening Ceremony complete, the world’s best players now turn their attention to the competition ahead. Matches will unfold daily at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles as clubs begin their pursuit of esports’ ultimate prize: the Esports World Cup Club Championship.