The Roland-Garros eSeries by Renault is officially back for 2026, and it’s aiming even higher after a record-breaking year. Organized by the French Tennis Federation, the world’s largest eTennis competition is expected to once again draw more than half a million players from across the globe.
After the 2025 edition saw over 515,000 competitors from 221 territories battle it out across 9.5 million matches on the virtual Philippe-Chatrier Court, the 2026 tournament is building on that momentum with a bigger stage, expanded production, and a major new host.
Final Stage Set for May 23 in Paris
The Final Stage will take place on May 23, 2026, at the Roland-Garros auditorium in front of a live audience. The event will be streamed on the France TV digital platform and in English on the official Roland-Garros YouTube channel.
Taking the spotlight as host this year is acclaimed esports presenter Laure Valée. Known for her work across major competitive events, including League of Legends tournaments, she brings deep esports experience to the clay court’s digital counterpart. Fresh off being named Esports Host of the Year at the Game Awards 2025, Valée will guide viewers through the action alongside Tennis Clash specialists and tennis pundits.
Compete in Tennis Clash Through 2030
The tournament continues its partnership with Tennis Clash, developed by Wildlife Studios, which remains the official mobile game of Roland-Garros and the competition through 2030. With more than 5 million monthly players and prior inclusion in the Olympic Esports Series, Tennis Clash stands as the leading tennis title on mobile.
Players can experience a faithful recreation of the Philippe-Chatrier Court, complete with official tournament outfits, racket strings, bags, soundtrack, and match calls voiced by internationally renowned umpire Aurélie Tourte. The continued collaboration has helped elevate eTennis on the global stage, inspiring other Grand Slam tournaments to partner with the game as well.
How to Qualify for the 2026 Finals
The 2026 format retains the structure that fueled its rapid growth while pushing competitive standards even further.
Three free Open Qualifiers will determine who advances to the Final Stage:
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Open Qualifier #1: March 5–10, 2026
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Open Qualifier #2: March 19–24, 2026
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Open Qualifier #3: April 2–7, 2026
Players can sign up directly through the Tennis Clash app on smartphone or tablet.
The three Open Qualifier winners will join:
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The top female players from the first two Open Qualifiers
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The two finalists from the Grand Tour circuit (March 2–23 and March 23–April 12, 2026)
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Defending champion Samuel Sanin Ortiz (“Sasmis”) of Colombia
That brings the total to eight finalists, who will compete in both a returning team stage and a singles bracket featuring a double-elimination format. The two finalists will share a €5,000 prize pool.
A Bigger Production and Stronger Partnerships
The 2026 edition also introduces a new visual identity crafted by Mafiou, a respected artistic director whose work has appeared alongside major brands and sports institutions including Adidas, FC Barcelona, and the Chicago Bulls.
Title partner Renault and official partner Mastercard are both returning, reinforcing the tournament’s blend of traditional sport values and digital innovation. Renault’s renewed commitment will bring deeper in-game integration, while Mastercard continues supporting fan engagement across the esports ecosystem.
Bridging Tennis and Esports
With over half a million expected participants, a live Paris final, enhanced broadcast production, and a long-term partnership roadmap, Roland-Garros eSeries by Renault is positioning eTennis as a permanent fixture in the global tennis ecosystem.
From casual mobile players to elite competitors, the road to Paris is open once again. If you think you’ve got what it takes to dominate the virtual clay, qualifiers kick off this March.
180 Million Downloads and Growing Competitive Ambitions
Tennis Clash has firmly established itself as one of the biggest names in mobile sports gaming. Developed by Wildlife Studios, the online tennis title delivers fast-paced, head-to-head matches designed to be accessible for newcomers while offering the depth competitive players crave.
With more than 180 million downloads worldwide and a community of 5 million active players logging in each month, Tennis Clash has grown far beyond a casual mobile experience. Its rise within the esports space continues to accelerate, fueled by official competitions held in partnership with all four Grand Slam tournaments and its inclusion in the Olympic Esports Series.
On the court, the game strikes a careful balance. Controls are intuitive and easy to pick up, but mastering timing, positioning, and tactical shot selection requires real skill. From baseline rallies to well-placed drop shots and aggressive net play, Tennis Clash stays true to both the physical intensity and strategic nuance of real-world tennis.
Tennis Clash is available now on the Google Play Store and the App Store, giving players instant access to one of the most successful and competitive tennis experiences on mobile.