Esports Nations Cup announced for 2026

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has unveiled the Esports Nations Cup (ENC), a landmark tournament that will bring country-versus-country competition to the global esports stage.

The inaugural event is set for November 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, before shifting to a rotating-host model every two years.

Positioned as the first large-scale esports event centered on national pride, the ENC will feature 15 games across multiple genres — from shooters and MOBAs to sports simulations — with over 100 countries expected to compete.

“Nation versus nation competition is the ultimate expression of sport,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of EWCF.

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“The ENC makes this a reality for esports, giving every fan a flag to rally behind and every player the pride of representing their country.

“It’s a stage to create heroes, inspire the next generation, and, together with our partners and stakeholders, build the national ecosystems that will accelerate the growth of esports worldwide.”

Organizers have confirmed partnerships with Electronic Arts (EA), Krafton, Tencent, and Ubisoft, who will help design ranking systems, qualification pathways, and event formats to ensure competitive integrity.

A mix of global rankings, regional qualifiers, and wildcard slots will determine participants, striking a balance between competitiveness and inclusivity. All players will receive guaranteed prize money, with equal payouts across titles.

The ENC is designed to run biennially, offering structure for long-term planning by players, coaches, and national federations. Teams from North America, South America, Europe, MENA, Africa, Asia, and SEA & Oceania will take part, bringing together the world’s top esports athletes under their national banners.

However, the announcement hasn’t come without debate.

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Critics point to challenges such as the lack of formal recognition for esports in many countries, legal uncertainties surrounding competitive gaming, and the absence of national infrastructure in emerging regions.

Others have raised ethical concerns over Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports and esports through high-profile event investments, including the Esports World Cup.

Despite the controversy, the ENC could serve as a precursor to an even bigger milestone: the first Esports Olympics, scheduled for 2027 in Riyadh following a 12-year partnership between Saudi Arabia and the International Olympic Committee.