Six Invitational 2026 Returns to Paris as Rainbow Six Siege Elite Compete for $3 Million

The Six Invitational 2026 has returned to Paris, France, marking the first time Ubisoft's flagship Rainbow Six Siege world championship has graced the French capital since 2021. Twenty elite teams from around the globe descended on the Adidas Arena for two weeks of intense tactical competition, with a staggering $3 million prize pool and the iconic Sledgehammer trophy on the line. The tournament, running from February 2-15, represents the pinnacle of competitive Rainbow Six Siege and one of esports' most prestigious annual events.

Organized jointly by Ubisoft and BLAST, the Six Invitational 2026 features a grueling format designed to crown a worthy world champion. The group stage, which ran from February 2-6, divided the 20 teams into four groups of five, with each squad battling for crucial playoff positioning. The top three teams from each group advanced to the bracket stage, with group winners earning direct passage to the upper-bracket quarterfinals. Second and third-place finishers entered the upper bracket's opening round, while fourth-place teams fell to the lower bracket to fight for survival.

The tournament's return to Paris holds special significance for the Rainbow Six Siege competitive community. The city previously hosted the Six Invitational in 2021 during challenging circumstances, and this year's event represents a triumphant return to form with full crowds and the electric atmosphere that has become synonymous with Rainbow Six esports. The Adidas Arena provides an intimate yet high-energy venue for the world championship matches scheduled for February 13-15, when the remaining teams will battle through the playoffs to determine the 2026 world champion.

Six Invitational 2026 comes at a pivotal moment for Rainbow Six Siege esports, as the game continues to evolve with regular operator additions and map reworks that keep the tactical meta fresh and exciting. The tournament showcases the highest level of coordinated teamplay, strategic preparation, and individual gunfighting skill in competitive gaming. Teams spend months preparing site setups, counter-strategies, and operator bans specifically for this event, knowing that a single round can determine championship glory or heartbreaking elimination.

The prize distribution at Six Invitational 2026 reflects the tournament's status as Rainbow Six Siege's premier event, with the $3 million purse representing one of esports' largest single-event prize pools. Beyond the financial stakes, teams are competing for the Sledgehammer trophy, which has become one of the most recognizable and coveted prizes in competitive gaming. Winners will cement their place in Rainbow Six Siege history alongside legendary organizations and players who have claimed the title in previous years.

With the group stage concluded, the tournament now shifts to its playoff phase, where the intensity ratchets up exponentially. The world's best Rainbow Six Siege teams will clash in best-of-three elimination matches, with every round carrying championship implications. The main stage matches scheduled for February 13-15 will determine which team hoists the Sledgehammer trophy and claims $3 million alongside the title of world champion. For Rainbow Six Siege fans worldwide, the Six Invitational 2026 represents the year's most anticipated esports spectacle.