Esports Nations Cup (ENC) is the first global and recurring competition for national teams in video games. Its purpose is for the best players to defend their country’s colors and for fans to have a national team to support. Until now, esports had been organized primarily around clubs, and there was no regular national tournament.
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Country Rivalry Comes to the World of Video Games
Ralf Reichert, director of the Esports World Cup Foundation, explains that the confrontation between countries is the essence of sport and that the ENC transfers this dynamic to esports, giving players the opportunity to represent their nation. The organization seeks to create role models, offer opportunities to new talents, and consolidate local scenes.
EA, KRAFTON, Tencent, and Ubisoft Support Esports Nations Cup
For the inaugural edition, scheduled in Riyadh in November 2026, collaboration is expected from Electronic Arts, KRAFTON, Tencent, and Ubisoft. Together with the organization, they will define the qualification criteria, competition formats, and access processes to ensure game quality and connection with regional communities.
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Global Tournament with Inclusive Tiered System
Esports Nations Cup will bring together national teams from all major regions of the world under a tiered system designed to promote fairness and inclusion. In future editions, the competition will rotate through different host cities, bringing the experience closer to new international audiences.
National Identity Drives the Esports Scene
This initiative builds on the trajectory of the Esports World Cup and places national identity at the center of the global competitive scene.
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