Esports Nations Cup 2026 Launches Global National Teams Framework

The Esports Foundation (EF) has announced the selection of organizations and individuals from over 100 countries and territories as National Team Partners for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC). Taking place in Riyadh from November 2-29, 2026, the ENC will be the first global competition to introduce a structured system for national esports teams, marking a significant evolution in the industry.

Unlike club-based competitions, the ENC is designed to work alongside existing frameworks, leveraging local stakeholders to strengthen national esports development. National Team Partners will drive team formation, engage local communities, and establish the infrastructure needed for participation and growth. The EF will provide regional support structures for countries without designated partners.

The initiative received over 630 applications from 150 countries and territories, reflecting the widespread interest in nation-based esports. The selected partners include both legacy organizations and emerging entities shaping the future of competitive gaming. The complete list of partners is available on the ENC website, with ongoing updates as new appointments are confirmed.

Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation, stated, ‘The Esports Nations Cup introduces something esports has never had before: a global system for national teams at an unprecedented scale. The response we received from across the world shows that communities are ready for this next step. Together with our partners, we are building the structures that will allow players to represent their nations and compete on the biggest stage in esports. With more than 100 nations now part of the system, the Esports Nations Cup moves from concept to reality, establishing national esports as a lasting part of the global competitive landscape.’

The ENC adopts a partnership-led approach, recognizing the varied development of esports across different nations. This model involves collaboration with diverse local stakeholders, including national bodies like the Korea Esports Association and Saudi Esports Federation, club-led initiatives in Brazil and the US, and hybrid public-private partnerships in countries such as Germany, Canada, and the UAE. In markets like Malaysia, Turkey, and Thailand, federations are actively engaging grassroots communities, while emerging regions like Indonesia and Mongolia are receiving structured support to participate globally.

This groundbreaking initiative will see national teams formed from local structures, uniting players to compete for their nations and fostering a new sense of fandom built on national pride. The ENC will showcase the diversity of esports traditions, from South Korea’s dominance in League of Legends to India’s chess prowess, Brazil’s Counter-Strike heritage, Japan’s fighting game legacy, and Southeast Asia’s mobile gaming excellence.