COLOGNE, GERMANY – ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), the global leader in esports and video game entertainment, is proud to announce its role as Host Partner for Global Esports Industry Week (GEIW) 2026. Taking place from June 18–21, the event will run alongside the historic IEM Cologne Counter-Strike Major.
Following its 2025 debut in Austin, Texas, GEIW moves to Germany to provide a unified platform for the world’s esports leaders, developers, and brands. Organised by The Esports Radar and the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC), the week will blend high-level business summits with the unmatched atmosphere of the “Cathedral of Counter-Strike.”
“Cologne has always been the ‘Cathedral of Counter-Strike,’ but bringing Global Esports Industry Week here during a Major year makes it the heart of the entire industry,” said Niccolo Maisto, CEO of ESL FACEIT Group. “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.”
2026 Highlights & Programming
The four-day residency features a packed agenda designed to move the industry forward:
- IMPACT Live: A massive conference and expo featuring dedicated summits for Game Development and Education.
- ESIC Global Esports Summit (EGES): The definitive forum for industry governance, integrity, and sustainable growth.
- Esports Leaders Honours: The inaugural awards ceremony celebrating excellence across the sector, debuting Friday, June 19.
- IGET Expert Workshop: Focused on the legal and regulatory landscape of global gaming.
- Networking & Socials: Including the Padel Gaming Club industry tournament and VIP access at the IEM Cologne Major in the Lanxess Arena.
About ESL FACEIT Group
ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) is the leading esports and video game entertainment company dedicated to creating worlds beyond gameplay where players and fans become community. EFG is built on a legacy of world-renowned brands including ESL, FACEIT, DreamHack and DreamHack Sports Games, providing innovative ecosystems for global communities of players, fans and creators around the games they love. Working alongside leading partners, brands and global IPs, EFG operates an unmatched portfolio of live events, digital platforms and developer tools that reach and engage millions of gamers worldwide.
For more general information on ESL FACEIT Group, visit eslfaceitgroup.com, the EFG Newsroom or follow ESL FACEIT Group on LinkedIn.
