The Esports Foundation announced Hilton as a Main Partner of the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026, marking the first time the partnership travels beyond Riyadh and onto a new continent as the world’s largest esports and gaming event is hosted in Paris this summer.
From July 6 through August 23, EWC 2026 welcomes more than 2,000 players and 200 Clubs from over 100 countries across 25 tournaments in 24 games. Across the seven-week competition, Hilton helps EWC recreate the quality of guest and fan experience it first brought to the event in Riyadh, extending its hospitality to the players, fans and communities traveling to Paris from around the world.
A continuation of its role as a regional hotel partner at EWC 2025, the global Hilton’s Main Partner status reflects a relationship that began in Riyadh and now grows alongside the event as it expands into new markets.
At EWC 2026, the partnership comes to life through activations for fans, champions and Hilton Honors members.
Through the EWC Heroes Club program, EWC champions will be rewarded with Hilton Honors Diamond status, Hilton’s top loyalty tier, carrying VIP benefits at Hilton properties worldwide and tying competitive success at EWC to a tangible reward that extends well beyond Paris.
In addition, Hilton Honors members will be able to bid their Points for a money-can’t-buy VIP Closing Week Experience which includes a stay at Sax Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts, VIP access to the games and a special meet-and-greet.
A selected group of EWC SuperFans, alongside VIPs and influencers, will experience Hilton hotels across six properties in Paris for the duration of EWC 2026, with participating hotels carrying EWC branding for the event.
“As the Esports World Cup comes to Paris, we want every player, fan and guest arriving from around the world to feel genuinely welcomed, and Hilton is the ideal partner to help us deliver that experience,” said Francois Desir, Director, Sponsorship and Advertising, the Esports Foundation. “Having first brought its hospitality to EWC in Riyadh, Hilton now helps us carry that unique experience onto the international stage, and as the EWC continues to grow, we’re proud to build that journey together.”
“Our partnership with the Esports Foundation continues to go from strength to strength, and we’re excited to support this next chapter as the Esports World Cup comes to Paris,” said Darcy VanWyck, SVP & Commercial Director EMEA, Hilton. “At Hilton, we know it matters where you stay – and whether welcoming players or fans, we’re committed to delivering the reliable and friendly service, memorable experiences and signature hospitality Hilton is known for.”
Hilton’s involvement extends its hospitality platform to a new generation of digital athletes, esports fans and Gen Z travelers, applying the same premium experience Hilton has long delivered around major global sporting events to the world’s largest esports stage.
Throughout the Paris season, Hilton will support EWC through content capturing the fan, VIP and influencer experience across its properties, brand presence at key event moments including the Opening Ceremony and Press Conference, and dedicated promotion of exclusive EWC opportunities to Hilton Honors members.
The Paris partnership builds on Hilton’s first EWC edition in Riyadh, where it established its credentials in esports hospitality, carrying that relationship onto the international stage for the first time.