Aya Nakamura, DJ Snake, and Theodora was just announced as the headliners of the Opening Ceremony of the Esports World Cup 2026.
The Opening Ceremony will be taking place in Paris at La Seine Musicale on July 8, 2026. It will kick off the inaugural international edition of the world’s largest esports and gaming event, celebrating contemporary French culture shaped by live-streaming platforms, creator-generated content, online communities, and live experiences. As gaming, music, creators, streaming, and live experiences increasingly shape the same cultural spaces, EWC 2026 will open in Paris with a performance that celebrates contemporary French culture while reflecting the global, digital-first audience at the heart of esports.
“The Opening Ceremony is our chance to welcome the world to the Esports World Cup. As we bring EWC 2026 to Paris for the first time, we wanted to celebrate the city through artists who have helped shape music and culture in France today. Aya Nakamura, DJ Snake, and Theodora each represent something different, but together they reflect the creativity and influence that make Paris such a special place to host this event.”
Mike McCabe, Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer at the Esports Foundation
Aya Nakamura, known as ‘The Queen of France,’ is a leading French artist recognized for blending R&B, Afrobeats, zouk, and contemporary pop. Her hit “Djadja” and performance at the Paris Olympic Games have established her as a pivotal figure in discussing France’s multicultural identity.
DJ Snake, a prominent DJ and producer from the Paris suburbs, exemplifies France’s cultural influence. His diverse career in electronic music, hip-hop, and pop incorporates global influences, including North American hip-hop, Latin music, K-pop, and sounds from the Middle East and Africa. His international appeal mirrors the global connectivity found in gaming.
Theodora, also known as ‘Miss Kitoko’, is a breakout artist of the new generation, merging rap, pop, and club music with elements of online culture. She embodies a digitally native and culturally fearless identity, connecting closely with communities shaped by streaming and online creators.
The announcement follows last year’s sold-out Opening Ceremony in Riyadh, headlined by Post Malone alongside DINO of SEVENTEEN, Duckwrth, Telle Smith of The Word Alive, Alesso, and Tina Guo. This year, Aya Nakamura, DJ Snake, and Theodora will open EWC’s first international edition in Paris.
The Esports World Cup 2026 will be held in Paris, France, from July 6 through August 23, marking the first international edition of the competition. More than 2,000 players and 200 Clubs from over 100 countries will compete across 25 tournaments in 24 games for a record prize pool of $75+ million.
Tickets for the EWC 2026, including access to the Opening Ceremony, are available now at the link below.