Los Angeles, El Segundo Set to Host 2026 Global Esports Finals

Los Angeles and El Segundo have been selected to host the 2026 Global Esports World Finals Games, marking the first time the event will be held in the United States. The opening ceremony is scheduled for December 4, 2026, with the Los Angeles Times Media Group serving as a host partner and transforming a warehouse adjacent to their building in El Segundo into a state-of-the-art esports arena. This event highlights Los Angeles' growing role as a global hub for sports, entertainment, and culture, complementing a series of major upcoming events including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Officials, including Mayor Karen Bass and Global Esports Federation CEO Paul Foster, emphasized the significance of esports in driving digital skills, cultural change, and uniting traditional sports with new entertainment forms. The selection was made over eight other international cities, reflecting confidence in the region’s capacity to host major global competitions across diverse platforms. The partnership between the city, the Global Esports Federation, and the Los Angeles Times Media Group aims to showcase the dynamic energy of esports on the global stage.