China's AG.AL clinches Esports World Cup title in Paris upset
China-based team AG.AL captured the Esports World Cup trophy and $7 million prize after a surprise victory in Paris.
AG.AL, a China-based squad, won the Esports World Cup held in Paris, taking home the trophy and a $7 million prize after a week-long showdown. The closing ceremony was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, following a last-minute venue shift from Riyadh over Middle-East security worries. Unlike traditional national teams, participants compete as individuals or clubs across titles such as Call of Duty and League of Legends.
The decisive moment came when French competitor Gwendal "Gwen" Duparc triumphed in the Trackmania race, edging out Saudi-based Team Falcons. Other notable performances included a 15-year-old Chilean winning Street Fighter 6 and Magnus Carlsen securing a second chess title, while the event drew 2,000 players from 100 nations and attracted a record viewership.
Why it matters
The win highlights esports' growing global reach and the shifting geopolitics of major gaming events.
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