The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially announced a $45 million funding commitment for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC). The new global esports event will debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and will take place from November 2 to November 29, 2026.
The Esports Nations Cup introduces a nation-based competition format, allowing players to represent their countries on a global stage while strengthening national pride and rivalries in esports.
A New Nation-Based Esports Competition
The Esports Nations Cup adds a national layer to the global esports calendar. While the Esports World Cup focuses on club-based competition, ENC gives players the opportunity to compete for their national teams.
This format helps fans connect more deeply with the action, as teams represent countries instead of clubs, making matches more emotional and competitive.
$45 Million Funding to Support the Esports Ecosystem
ENC 2026 is supported by a three-part funding structure worth $45 million, designed to benefit players, coaches, clubs, and national esports programs.
- $20 million in prize money will be paid directly to players and coaches across 16 game titles
- $5 million in club incentives will be given to esports organizations that release their players to compete for national teams
- $20 million ENC Development Fund will support national team partners with travel, logistics, operations, marketing, and long-term program growth
This funding model aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for nation-based esports.
Equal Pay Model Across All Game Titles
The Esports Nations Cup introduces a placement-based prize system that focuses on fairness and transparency. Every qualified player will receive prize money and is guaranteed at least three matches in the tournament.
Key prize payouts include:
- First place: $50,000 per player
- Second place: $30,000 per player
- Third place: $15,000 per player
The same placement pays the same amount per player across all titles, whether it is a solo or team-based game. Coaches will receive the same rewards as players for identical placements. For team games, payouts scale based on team size.
Rotating Host Cities and Biennial Format
ENC 2026 will be hosted in Riyadh for its debut, but future editions will follow a rotating host-city model, bringing nation-based esports events to major cities worldwide.
The tournament will be held every two years, giving players, clubs, and national programs a stable structure for long-term planning.
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Confirmed Games for ENC 2026
So far, the following titles have been confirmed for the Esports Nations Cup 2026:
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
- Trackmania
- Dota 2
More game titles are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said that national teams add a new and powerful layer to esports. He emphasized that the ENC prize model is designed to keep competition fair while supporting players, clubs, and national esports systems for the long term.