Just two weeks after hosting the European League of Legends final at the Palais Nikaïa, Nice welcomes the return of Evo France to the Palais des Expositions. This major international gathering of versus fighting, which brings together competitors from more than 90 different countries, confirms the exceptional attractiveness of the region for the world’s largest esports events.
From October 9-11, 2026, Nice becomes the center of the video game planet by hosting the second edition of Evo France at the Palais des Expositions. This event follows the phenomenal success of the very first European edition organized last year, which brought together nearly 18,000 enthusiasts and 3,500 competitors from 93 nationalities. The event also continues the city’s role in establishing esports as a major presence, just two weeks after hosting the European League of Legends final at the Palais Nikaïa. This year the organization has added 1,000 additional spaces per day and the arrival of three new major competitive disciplines.
For those familiar with the French fighting game scene, seeing Evo establish itself permanently in Nice is a source of immense pride. Already present at the 2025 edition, many supporters were not hiding their enthusiasm in the aisles of the Palais des Expositions.
“Last year was already crazy, but seeing that there’s even more people and energy this year, it’s incredible. Before, you had to save for months hoping to go to Las Vegas. Having an event of this scale in France and in Nice, with the best players on the planet within reach, it’s a dream come true for the entire French esports community,” confides a group of friends.
Nice, new capital of world esports
In the world of fighting games like Street Fighter or Tekken, even the slightest millisecond delay can change the outcome of a match. Because of this ultimate technical requirement, high-level tournaments cannot be played over the Internet and require face-to-face physical confrontations. Long reserved for the cities of Las Vegas and Tokyo, this legendary championship has established itself in Europe by choosing the French Riviera for its infrastructure and quality hospitality.
As Bertrand Amar, president of the organizing company N.E.O., explains, “Nice is known throughout the world, Nice has many hotels, an international airport. It’s really great to come and play here for three days. We realized there was a huge opportunity for Nice and that the city ticked absolutely every box to be on the map just like Las Vegas or Tokyo.”
A sector with a future and an economic engine for the metropolis
Beyond the spectacle in the aisles, the event is a major economic driver for the region. By attracting thousands of visitors, half of whom come from abroad to stay several nights, Evo stimulates hotel and retail activity outside the peak tourist season. Pierre Ippolito, a representative of the city, recalls the overall strategy developed around gaming and creative industries.
“Esports and gaming represent a real sector of the future for us, which is part of creative and cultural industries. With 50% of foreign visitors who will spend several nights in our hotels and spend on our territory, the economy around this attractiveness is capital. Nice wants to remain and improve to position itself as a world capital of video games.”
In addition to the spectacle offered by international champions, Evo France establishes itself as an immersive and warm festival open to all. Between the free-access retro arcade machines, the cosplay parades, the Palais des Expositions brings together all generations curious about a shared collective passion.
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