1 Year to Go: Los Angeles Prepares for Global Esports Games 2026

A New Era of Digital Competition, Global Esports Federation and LA Times Media Group Power a Future-Focused Partnership

The Global Esports Federation (GEF) and the Los Angeles Times Media Group (LATMG) today mark the one-year countdown to the Los Angeles 2026 Global Esports Games, set to open on 4 December 2026. Today also marks the Los Angeles Times’ 144^th anniversary, highlighting how a legacy institution continues to evolve with the energy and creativity of the next generation as the city prepares to take the global esports stage.

GEF reaffirms its commitment to Los Angeles as a global hub for esports, sports, digital innovation, and youth-driven creativity, highlighted by the establishment of its office on the LATMG Campus in El Segundo. The GEF LA office reinforces Los Angeles’ central role in the lead-up to the LA26 Global Esports Games and the development of the Global Esports Arena LA (GEALA), which will crown GEF’s Creative Campus as the GEF community’s creativity, innovation, and convening home.

“With one year to go until 4 December 2026, Los Angeles is getting ready at pace. The LA26 Global Esports Games will unite nations, cultures, and communities like never before. As we build toward this historic moment at our #worldconnected community’s brand-new home, GEALA, we are grateful to Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong and our big-vision partners at the LA Times Media Group for bringing this dream to life. Together, we look forward to welcoming the world to Los Angeles,” shared Paul J. Foster, KStJH, President & Chief Executive Officer, Global Esports Federation.

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Executive Chairman, LA Times Media Group, said, “Today is more than a milestone; it is a reaffirmation of our responsibility to shape the future of global competition, creativity, and community. The partnership between LATMG and the Global Esports Federation reflects a shared belief that technology, storytelling, and innovation can inspire, educate, and transform lives. As Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world for the LA26 Global Esports Games, we are proud to help build a new chapter, one that connects legacy with the next generation and positions our city as a global leader in the future of sport, culture, and communication.”

Looking Ahead to LA26

With GEALA advancing in development and the GEF’s office now operating in Los Angeles, preparations for the Global Esports Games accelerate into 2026. The GEALA will serve as a year-round hub for esports innovation, athlete development, research, and community programming, positioning Los Angeles at the forefront of the digital future.

“The 2026 Global Esports Games will take place during an incredible period of time for our city, welcoming athletes, entrepreneurs, and communities from around the world. We are taking action to ensure that we maximize the potential of these major events as we look ahead into a bright future. Thanks to partnerships with Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong and Sir Paul J. Foster, opportunities like this one make Los Angeles shine on the world stage. Together, we will ensure that Angelenos will continue to benefit from these major events for generations to come. L.A. has and will continue to be a leading force in innovation, pride, and a united spirit,” added Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles.

A Year of Connection and a Vision for the Future

“With 365 days to go until 4 December 2026, the excitement across our Global Esports community is unmistakable. To welcome the world to Hollywood for the LA26 Global Esports Games during the USA’s 250^th Year of Independence carries profound meaning for all Americans,” Dr. Melita N. Moore, Vice President, Global Esports Federation & Chair, Coordination Commission, Global Esports Games, shared the growing momentum across the global community. “From our GEF Headquarters, and the brand-new GEALA at our new Creative Campus in Los Angeles, we are building a global stage that reflects the power, ambition, and unity of esports. LA26 Global Esports Games will showcase the world’s top national teams, the innovation that defines our movement, and the shared values that connect our global community. We are honored to welcome the world to America in this historic year, GEF’s Year of Connection.”

Today’s milestone coincides with a meaningful moment in Athens, Greece, where Sir Paul J. Foster, President & CEO of the Global Esports Federation, and Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Executive Chairman of the LA Times Media Group, had the honor to carry the Olympic Torch as guests of Isidoros Kouvelos, President, Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC).

Following their Torch Relay, a powerful global symbol of unity, peace, and friendship, they attended the Official Handover Ceremony to the Organizing Committee of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. A series of meetings and events were held in the Greek capital with the Hellenic Esports Federation, the Government of Greece, the Hellenic Olympic Committee, and the International Olympic Academy.

Bridging Legacy and Innovation Together

The GEF × LATMG partnership symbolizes a powerful convergence of storytelling, technology, and community building, bridging a 144-year legacy of award-winning journalism with a global stage for next-generation digital culture, esports, and youth innovation. This collaboration reinforces Los Angeles’ ambition to position itself as a global nexus for sports, media, and youth-driven creativity.