IEM Cologne to Host Global Esports Industry Week

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has announced that the Global Esports Industry Week (GEIW) will be held from June 18–21 in Cologne, Germany, coinciding with the Counter-Strike 2 event, IEM Cologne.

Building on the success of the 2025 edition in Austin, Texas, GEIW 2026 aims to broaden its reach and impact by introducing new events, expanding its international presence, and enhancing its connection with the global esports community.

This year’s event will be organized by The Esports Radar and ESIC, with ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) as the official host partner.

“Global Esports Industry Week was designed to provide a dedicated platform for the industry to connect, reflect, and progress together,” stated Sam Cooke, CEO of The Insights Group, which owns The Esports Radar. “Bringing GEIW 2026 to Cologne alongside IEM Cologne, especially in a Major year, is an opportunity we couldn’t miss! This edition is larger, more ambitious, and better reflects the future of esports as a global industry, featuring new summits focused on game development and education, along with our inaugural Esports Leaders Honours to recognize outstanding contributions in the field.”

Organizers anticipate that GEIW 2026 will gather senior leaders from game publishers, developers, brands, tournament operators, teams, agencies, educational institutions, and other stakeholders for four days filled with events, networking, and social activities.

Notable companies participating this year include ESL FACEIT Group, the Esports World Cup Foundation, ENorth Media, Moonton, NODWIN, Corsair, BLAST, ESBD, MSI, World Intellectual Property Organisation, and AOC, among others. Confirmed speakers include Esports World Cup Foundation CEO Ralf Reichert, EFG CEO Niccolo Maisto, and Insights Group CEO Sam Cooke, who is also a founder of Esports Insider.

In addition to EFG as the official host partner, ENorth Media will act as a supporting partner, while ESBD, Yellowhouse, the World Intellectual Property Organisation: Arbitration and Mediation Centre, and the International Games and Esports Tribunal will serve as strategic partners.

For further details about the event, visit the official website.

The Esports World Cup Foundation and EFG receive backing from the Saudi Arabian government’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Entities associated with the Saudi Arabian government often face accusations of engaging in “sports washing,” using sports and entertainment to distract from their human rights record, including issues related to women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and military actions in Yemen. These concerns are frequently highlighted by international watchdog organizations.