NODWIN Gaming, the official National Team Partner for India, has announced a heavyweight lineup of coaches to lead the country’s selection process for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026. The global tournament, set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to 29, 2026, features a massive $20 million prize pool for athletes and coaches across 16 different competitive titles.
With India set to compete in all 16 titles, the appointment of these coaches marks a critical step in building the “Team India” rosters. The selection includes reigning champions, international veterans, and established tactical minds who will identify talent ahead of the May 10 roster submission deadline.
Ayogi to Lead BGMI Campaign
Rahul “Ayogi” has been appointed as the national coach for Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). He enters this role following a highly successful period in the domestic circuit. Ayogi is best known for guiding teams like iQOO Soul (Team Soul) and Blind Esports to major championship titles.
His recent achievements include leading iQOO Soul to a victory at the BGIS 2026 Grand Finals. His experience as an analyst and manager is expected to be a core asset in building a championship ready roster for the Riyadh event.
Aurum and Godspeed Secure Key Roles
The coaching lineup also includes prominent figures for other high profile shooter titles. Pratik “Aurum” Mehra will take charge as the coach for PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS. Aurum is a veteran in the scene, previously known for his stint with Fnatic where he secured a win at the PUBG Mobile All Stars India 2019 and a runner up finish at the PUBG Mobile India Series 2020.
For VALORANT, Abhishek “GodspeedxD” Bajaj has been named the head coach. He brings a strong coaching resume that includes winning domestic titles with organizations such as Velocity Esports, Revenant Esports, and Bleed Esports. His role will involve identifying five core players and two substitutes while following strict rules regarding club representation per national team.
Elite Coaching Roster Across Major Titles
The confirmed coaching lineup features experts from both the domestic and international scenes, ensuring a structured approach to India’s campaign:
- DOTA 2: Moin “NO_Chanc3” Ejaz, a 33-year-old veteran and the first Indian player to reach 7000 MMR, will lead the squad. He previously secured a historic bronze medal for India at the Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022.
- VALORANT: Abhishek “GodspeedxD” Bajaj, who currently serves as the head coach for Revenant XSpark, will oversee the national team. His resume includes winning multiple South Asia Challengers splits and reaching the Pacific Ascension tournament in 2025.
- League of Legends: Pankaj “KAKA” Upadhyay, recognized as one of the country’s top players with extensive international representation, will manage the team.
- PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS: Pratik “Aurum” Mehra, known for leading Fnatic to a win at PUBG Mobile All Stars India 2019, takes charge of the PC squad.
- Rocket League: Nirjhar “jocse” Mitra, who won the Esportz Premier Series 2022 and represented India at the Commonwealth Esports Championships, will guide the Rocket League campaign.
- Rainbow Six Siege: Ashrit “notyAshritB” Goyal brings his experience from South Asia Nationals and Asia Pacific competitions to the national side.
- International Expertise: Steve “Dale” Vitug (Philippines) will coach MOBA Legends: 5v5!, while Gradyano “Rinnqt” Valendy (Indonesia) has been brought in for Honor of Kings.
For titles not covered by specific team-based coaching appointments, including solo-player games like Chess and Trackmania, India will hold full open qualifiers to identify representatives. Official roster announcements will begin in mid-May following the May 10 submission.
