Saudia becomes Official Airline for Esports World Cup 2026

• Saudia was designated an Official Airline of the Esports World Cup 2026
• The national air carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia revealed the first esports-branded commercial airplane in the world
• Executives at the Esports Foundation and Saudia speak about the importance of the new alliance that builds on a successful collaboration which started in 2025

The Esports Foundation and the national air carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Saudia, confirmed a partnership extension, naming the airline the Official Airline of the Esports World Cup 2026 (EWC).

The unveils the first esports-branded commercial airplane

The new collaboration builds on the success of the partnership between EWC and Saudia from 2025.

At the time, the Esports World Cup welcomed more than three million visitors to Riyadh, while EWC and Saudia inked an interactive digital platform agreement.

Building on this success, Saudia vowed to support EWC’s first international edition which is taking place in Paris, France this year.

At the same time, Saudia unveiled the world’s first commercial aircraft dedicated to an esports event, marking a major milestone in the esports vertical.

The branded airplane was revealed during an official ceremony taking place at Saudia Technic in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Notably, the event attracted government officials, partners, media companies, as well as content creators.

Saudia’s specifically branded aircraft will play a key role by offering daily flights between Paris and Riyadh throughout EWC 2026.

What’s more, the branded aircraft will support the esports network in the next two years and serve "as a long-term flying symbol of the partnership between Saudia and the Esports World Cup," as described in a press release.

The partnership marks an exciting moment for EWC and Saudia

Ibrahim Binaquil, Saudia Group’s Marketing Head, commented: "The Esports World Cup reflects Saudi Arabia's growing role in bringing people together through world-class experiences that resonate with audiences around the globe."

Finally, Binaquil pointed out: "As the Kingdom's national flag carrier, our role extends beyond travel to connecting people with experiences that create lasting memories and strengthen cultural exchange. This partnership allows us to engage a new generation while showcasing the energy, creativity and ambition that define Saudi Arabia today."

Francois Desir, Esports Foundation’s Director Sponsorship and Advertisement, was similarly excited and acknowledged that bringing together gaming fans has been a long-term goal for EWC.

"Our expanded partnership with Saudia allows us to extend that experience beyond the competition, connecting communities from Saudi Arabia to Paris and celebrating esports throughout the journey," he added.

Besides the world’s first commercial aircraft dedicated to an esports event, the collaboration includes a special community Fortnite tournament.

This year’s tournament includes a new map with a branded airport and Saudia aircraft, all inspired by EWC.

Image credit: Esports World Cup