Entertainment

China-based team AG.AL wins Esports World Cup after relocation to Paris

The tournament moved from Saudi Arabia due to Middle East security concerns, ending with a surprise victory and a $7 million prize.

Updated Aug 24, 2026 · 10:27 UTC1 reports

The short version

The China-based esports team AG.AL won the Esports World Cup (EWC) and its $7 million top prize on the final weekend of competition in Paris.
The event was originally scheduled for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but organizers relocated it to France at the last minute due to safety concerns regarding the U.S.-Iran conflict.
Despite ongoing boycotts and criticism from some fans and players over Saudi Arabian government involvement, organizers plan to return the event to Riyadh next year.

AG.AL secured its victory after French player Gwendal Duparc won the Trackmania competition, overtaking reigning champions Team Falcons.[BBC News]
Fifteen-year-old Chilean player Jaime Bustos became the youngest-ever EWC champion by winning the Street Fighter 6 tournament.[BBC News]
Organizers claimed this year's event drew 850 million viewers, sold 175,000 tickets, and offered a total prize pool of $75 million.[BBC News]
The Esports Foundation, which runs the event, was created with the support of the Saudi government as part of the country's push to invest in global gaming.[BBC News]
Critics accuse Saudi Arabia of using the tournament to distract from its human rights record and anti-LGBT laws, while the Esports Foundation maintains that everyone is welcome at its events.[BBC News]