Spotlight on the popularity of esport with gamers across the capital
Paris is establishing itself as a rising star in the European esports scene. This summer, the city will host the Esports World Cup 2026 from 6 July to 23 August, a major event bringing together the world’s best players. This guide highlights the gaming venues, must-see tournaments, local teams and training opportunities in competitive video gaming.
Paris is brimming with venues dedicated to gaming, catering to all types of players. Whether you’re a casual gamer looking to discover the latest releases or a competitive player preparing for your next matches, the capital offers fully equipped spaces for an immersive experience.
Located at 150 Rue de Rivoli, Espot stands out as the temple of Parisian gaming with its 2,000 m² spread over three floors. The venue houses over 120 high-end PCs equipped with Logitech gear, 50 latest-generation consoles, and even offers Alpine racing simulators for fans of esports motor racing. The 150-seat arena, featuring a 30m² screen, allows visitors to watch broadcasts and tournaments in conditions worthy of professional players. Open every day, the venue also has two bars and is perfect for birthday parties or team-building sessions.
Beyond Espot, Paris has several other venues for esports fans. Milk Paris (31 Boulevard Sébastopol, 1st arrondissement) is open 24 hours a day with 130 PCs and over 100 games available from just €1 per hour. Team Vitality’s V.Hive (102 Boulevard de Sébastopol, 3rd arrondissement) combines an internet café, coffee shop and retail space, with top-of-the-range equipment to train like the pros. Each of these themed spaces offers a unique atmosphere and allows you to immerse yourself in the world of competitive gaming in the heart of the capital. And over in the 19th arrondissement, e-LAB, located on the second floor of the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, offers not only gaming but also the chance to reflect on the gaming phenomenon, welcoming schoolchildren accompanied by their teachers as well as parents and those simply curious to find out more.
| Venue | Address | Facilities | Approximate prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espot Paris | 150 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 | 120+ PCs, 50+ consoles, 150-seat arena, sim racing | From €5 (30 mins + drink) |
| Milk Paris | 31 Boulevard Sébastopol, 75001 | 130 PCs, 100+ games, tournaments | From €1/hour |
| V.Hive (Team Vitality) | 102 Boulevard Sébastopol, 75003 | High-end PCs, bootcamp, café | Varies depending on package |
Paris has now established itself as a key hub for international competitions, attracting the world’s best teams and thousands of fans who come to experience esports live.
The flagship event of the Parisian summer is the Esports World Cup 2026, taking place from 6 July to 23 August 2026 at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. This first edition outside Saudi Arabia brings together more than 2,000 players representing 200 teams and 100 countries, with a record prize pool of $75 million. On the programme: 24 competitive games covering all major genres, including Valorant, Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends and Dota 2. The support from the Élysée Palace confirms Paris’s ambition to become a global esports capital. For seven weeks, the public will watch elite clubs battle it out in competition arenas equipped with state-of-the-art technology, complete with fan zones and festive activities.
In May, Paris La Défense Arena will host the Rocket League Paris Major from 20 to 24 May 2026. The world’s top 16 teams will compete for a $354,000 prize pool and a place in the World Championship. This legendary 40,000-seat venue, the largest indoor arena in Europe, offers a spectacular setting to experience the intensity of the matches up close with the professional players. A few weeks later, from 26 to 28 June, the same venue will host the Call of Duty League Major IV Tournament, organised by Gentle Mates: 12 international teams will compete in one of the biggest esports events ever organised outside Asia.
Every year, Paris Games Week at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles brings together the entire video game community. This public exhibition dedicates an entire area to esports, featuring demonstrations by professional players, amateur tournaments open to all, and meet-and-greets with French teams. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the competitive scene in a friendly and accessible atmosphere, whether you’re an experienced player or simply curious.
Calendar of major esports events in Paris in 2026:
| Event | Dates | Venue | Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocket League Paris Major | 20–24 May 2026 | Paris La Défense Arena | Rocket League |
| Call of Duty League Major IV | 26–28 June 2026 | Paris La Défense Arena | Call of Duty |
| Esports World Cup 2026 | 6 July–23 August 2026 | Paris Expo Porte de Versailles | 24 games (Valorant, CS2, LoL, Dota 2...) |
Paris does more than just host competitions: the capital is home to a comprehensive and sustainable esports ecosystem. With top-tier teams, support organisations and specialist training programmes, the city has established itself as a hub for the sector in France.
Paris Saint-Germain was the first major European club to venture into esports in 2016, with teams now active in EA Sports FC and Rainbow Six Siege, as well as strategic partnerships in League of Legends and Arena of Valor. The club has made history by winning several titles and competing at the highest level, including the Rainbow Six World Championship, which regularly visits the country. Paris is also home to the Maison de l’esport, a 2,000 m² venue located in the 20th arrondissement (14–16 Rue Soleillet). This venue hosts tournaments and conferences and supports start-ups and associations in the sector. Other organisations such as PUC Esport help to energise the local scene and promote the new generation of the discipline.
Paris is home to several schools specialising in esports careers: Gaming Campus Paris La Défense offers courses in esports management, the video game industry, coaching and gaming communication, whilst Université Paris Cité awards an inter-university Esports Manager diploma. These courses prepare students for a wide range of careers in the sector: event manager, data analyst, community manager, coach or team manager. The City of Paris actively supports the professionalisation of the sector, notably through France Esports, the association that brings together industry stakeholders and supports the development of employment in esports at a national level.
Throughout the Esports World Cup (EWC), scheduled to run from 6 July to 23 August 2026, the French capital will be the beating heart of video games and digital culture. While the competition is in full swing at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, the excitement is spreading throughout the city.
To make the most of the event, our interactive map guides you to the best geek, esports and immersive spots across Greater Paris. Whether you’re a competitive gamer looking for the perfect setup, a retrogaming enthusiast, a board game fan or simply curious about the latest tech innovations, the city is brimming with hotspots tailored just for you.
