The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially revealed the format of the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), a brand-new global esports tournament where players will compete for their countries instead of clubs. The event will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2026 and will be held once every two years. This will be the first large-scale nation-based esports competition of its kind, bringing national pride to the global esports stage.
16 Game Titles to Be Played at Esports Nations Cup 2026
The inaugural Esports Nations Cup will feature 16 different game titles, played over a period of four weeks. The tournament will include both team-based and solo-player competitions.
The formats have been developed in collaboration with major game publishers, including Electronic Arts, Chess.com, Krafton, MOONTON Games, SNK, Tencent, and Ubisoft. More game partners are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
National Team and Player Participation Details
At the ENC Finals, team-based games will include 24 to 48 national teams per title, while solo events will feature 32 to 128 players, allowing wide global participation.
Each country will be represented by:
- One official national team per game title
- Up to two players per title in solo competitions
In some games, multiple teams or players from the same country may compete in early stages, but only one will qualify as the official national representative for the finals.
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Qualification Format for Esports Nations Cup 2026
The qualification process will follow a multi-layered system to ensure fair and balanced global representation.
- 50% of teams and players will receive direct invitations based on their country’s overall performance during the esports season.
- The remaining slots will be filled through open regional online qualifiers.
EWCF has confirmed that more details related to national eligibility, governance rules, and country-level participation will be shared soon through Country Partner Applications.
Club Rosters Not Allowed in National Teams
One key rule announced is that full club rosters will not be allowed to compete as national teams. Instead, national squads will be formed by selecting the best eligible players from each country, even if they play for different clubs.
This rule is designed to promote:
- Fair selection based on merit
- Diverse player representation
- Strong national identity
All teams and players who reach the ENC Finals will be guaranteed to play at least three matches, helping build storylines and fan engagement.
Future Plans and Hosting Model
The Esports Nations Cup will be hosted every two years. While the first edition will be held in Riyadh in 2026, future events will follow a rotating host-city model. This approach aims to support long-term growth, stability, and investment in national esports programs worldwide.