Global Esports Industry Week (GEIW) is set to return in 2026, moving its operations to Cologne, Germany. The event is scheduled to run from June 18 to June 21, 2026, coinciding with IEM Cologne, which holds Major status for the year.
Organized by The Esports Radar and the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC), the 2026 edition features the ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) as the official Host Partner. Following the 2025 edition held in Austin, Texas, the organizers have announced that GEIW 2026 will expand its scope and scale to include a broader international footprint and deeper integration with the global sector.
Strategic Alignment with IEM Cologne Major
The decision to host GEIW 2026 in Cologne aligns the business conference with one of the most significant live events in the esports calendar. The IEM Cologne Major will culminate in finals at the Lanxess Arena, often referred to as the “Cathedral of Counter-Strike.”
Niccolo Maisto, CEO of ESL FACEIT Group, commented on the significance of the location choice.
“Cologne is the ‘Cathedral of Counter-Strike,’ but bringing Global Esports Industry Week here during a Major year makes it the heart of the entire industry,” Maisto said. “As the global leader in esports, EFG is focused on building spaces where world-class competition and great business happen together. We’re excited to host the community in Cologne so they can network and help shape what’s next, all while being right in the middle of one of the most iconic events in the world.”
Expanded Programming and Events
The four-day schedule is designed to bring together senior leaders from various sectors, including game publishers, developers, tournament operators, brands, agencies, and investors. The agenda includes business summits, networking opportunities, and social events.
Sam Cooke, CEO of The Insights Group (The Esports Radar), stated that the opportunity to align the event with a Major in Cologne was a key factor in the decision.
“Global Esports Industry Week was created to give the industry a dedicated space to connect, reflect, and move forward together,” Cooke said. “This edition is bigger, more ambitious, and more representative of where esports is heading as a global industry, with new dedicated summits to game development, education as well as our first Esports Leaders Honours, celebrating those who deserve recognition across the space.”
Key Summits and Features
The 2026 programme introduces several new components alongside established fixtures:
- IMPACT Live Conference & Expo: A central hub for the event.
- ESIC Global Esports Summit 2026 (EGES): An international conference focused on business, governance, and sustainable growth.
- IMPACT Live Game Dev Summit: A forum for developers to showcase games and discuss competitive PvP titles.
- IMPACT Live Edu Summit: A gathering focused on the intersection of gaming, education, and gametech.
- Esports Leaders Cologne: A half-day leadership event held in a premium setting.
- IGET Expert Workshop: An annual meeting of the International Games and Esports Tribunal regarding legal matters.
- Esports Leaders Honours: The inaugural awards ceremony recognizing individuals and organizations across six key areas.
- Padel Gaming Club: An industry tournament and social event.
Stephen Hanna, CEO of ESIC, emphasized the importance of the summit’s integration into the wider week.
“Integrity, governance, and long‑term sustainability remain critical priorities for esports,” Hanna noted. “By once again embedding both the ESIC Global Esports Summit and IGET Expert Workshop within Global Esports Industry Week, we’re creating a stronger, more unified platform for meaningful dialogue and action.”
Partners and Attendees
Several industry stakeholders and organizations have been confirmed for the event. Attendees will include representatives from the ESL FACEIT Group, Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), ENorth Media, MOONTON, NODWIN, Corsair, BLAST, ESBD, MSI, HEROIC, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), and AOC.
Confirmed high-profile speakers include Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, and Niccolo Maisto.
The event is supported by a network of strategic partners, including ENorth Media, ESBD, yellow house, the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Centre, and the International Games and Esports Tribunal.
Ticket Information
Registration and program updates are available via the official Global Esports Week website. Super Early Bird tickets offering a 30% discount are currently available until February 16.