*PARIS —* Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman once again proved why he is one of the most influential and undeniable leaders in the world today.
On Sunday, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended the awards ceremony for the 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the iconic Grand Palais, as part of the Crown Prince’s high-profile state visit to France.
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the President of France at the center of Europe, celebrating a global tournament that was born in Riyadh. President Macron presented AG.AL with the Esports World Cup title following seven weeks of elite competition — a title that exists only because of Saudi vision.
The Esports World Cup was launched in Riyadh as a Saudi initiative, a bold idea from a leader who is transforming his country from an oil power into a global power in sports, technology, entertainment, and youth culture. Paris was selected to host the 2026 edition because of its advanced infrastructure and accessible location, but the tournament’s foundation, vision, and future remain Saudi.
According to the Esports World Cup Foundation, the Saudi non-profit organization behind the tournament, this year’s event brought together more than 2,000 players representing 200 clubs from over 100 countries. It is the largest esports event in history — and it carries the Made in Saudi Arabia stamp.
Although this year’s tournament was held in Paris, Riyadh will retain its role as the strategic hub for the Esports World Cup’s long-term future. The competition is set to return to Saudi Arabia for its 2027 edition, reaffirming the Kingdom’s position as the world capital of esports.
This is the genius of MBS. While other leaders talk about the future, he builds it. While others attend events, he owns the events the world attends. From NEOM to the Red Sea Project, from football to esports, from G20 to Paris, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman continues to send a clear message to the Western world:
Saudi Arabia is no longer just a wealthy country — it is a country led by a great, modern, visionary, and undeniable leader who is shaping global culture, economy, and youth.
The world is watching. And MBS is leading.
