The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) is preparing for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC), a major international tournament focusing on national representation rather than club-based competition. Scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2026, the event will feature a diverse lineup of 16 titles.
Unlike the summer’s Esports World Cup, where athletes represent esports organizations, the ENC requires players to compete under their national flags. Several major titles have already been confirmed, complete with dates, formats, and qualification details.
Confirmed Titles and Schedule
The event will span throughout November, with different games taking the stage at specific intervals. Below is the list of confirmed games and their respective schedules.
Dota 2
- Dates: November 2 – November 8, 2026
- Prize Pool: $1,500,000
- Format: The tournament will feature 32 national teams. The field will be composed of 16 direct invites, 14 slots from regional qualifiers, and 2 wildcard entries.
Chess
- Dates: November 2 – November 8, 2026
- Prize Pool: $600,000
- Format: A massive field of 128 players will compete. Qualification includes 64 direct invites based on Champions Chess Tour rankings, 56 spots from regional qualifiers, and 8 wildcard slots. The format begins with a round-robin group stage followed by a single-elimination bracket.
Counter-Strike 2
- Dates: November 10 – November 15, 2026
- Prize Pool: $1,320,000
- Format: 24 national teams will participate. The qualification process is extensive, involving national qualifiers across 96 countries followed by regional qualifiers to determine the final roster of teams.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
- Dates: November 12 – November 15, 2026
- Format: The first fighting game confirmed for the event will feature 32 individual competitors. The lineup includes 16 direct invites, 13 regional qualifier spots, and 3 wildcard entries. The competition will utilize a round-robin group stage leading into a single-elimination playoff bracket.
Trackmania
- Dates: November 19 – November 22, 2026
- Prize Pool: $250,000
- Format: 32 drivers will compete in the unique “Cup Mode” 1v1v1v1 format. The field is split between 16 direct invites, 14 qualifier spots, and 2 wildcards.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB)
- Dates: November 23 – November 29, 2026
- Prize Pool: $1,500,000
- Format: As one of the headline mobile titles, MLBB will host 32 national teams. The slot distribution mirrors other major team titles with 16 direct invites, 14 regional qualifiers, and 2 wildcard spots.
Honor of Kings
- Dates: November 24 – November 29, 2026
- Format: 24 teams will compete in this mobile MOBA. The tournament structure includes a round-robin group stage followed by a single-elimination bracket. Participants will be selected via 12 direct invites, 9 qualifier slots, and 3 wildcard entries.
EA Sports FC 26
- Dates: November 27 – November 29, 2026
- Format: The virtual football competition will feature 128 players facing off in 1v1 matches on PlayStation 5. The large field will be whittled down through a group stage of 16 groups, advancing to a single-elimination playoff bracket.