Saudia is Now the Official Airline of the Esports World Cup 2026

Saudia has become the official airline of the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026, and it's going all in with the world's first commercial plane dedicated entirely to an esports event.

Revealed at Saudia Technic in Jeddah, with government officials, partners and creators on hand to watch the big reveal, the new aircraft will operate daily flights between Riyadh and Paris throughout the tournament, then keep flying across Saudia's international network long after the closing ceremony as a permanent, high-altitude reminder of the partnership.

This is the EWC's first edition outside Riyadh, landing in Paris and running through August 23rd with over 2,000 players and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries battling it out across 24 games for a USD 75 million-plus prize pool.

Onboard, guests get EWC content through BEYOND, the airline's inflight entertainment system, including the documentary 'Esports World Cup: Level Up'. Selected lounges will also screen live tournament broadcasts, so the gaming doesn't stop the second you land.

The airline has already flown thousands of staff and content creators to Paris, along with Superfans as part of a programme that gives lucky fans the trip of a lifetime, while MENA creators are being flown out to cover the action for audiences back home.

There's a gamer-friendly touch too. Saudia's community Fortnite tournament returns with a new custom map featuring a branded airport and an aircraft styled after the real EWC livery, with winners scoring tickets to Paris.