Esports Nations Cup confirms 16 titles for inaugural edition; over 100,000 qualifier participants across 100 nations and territories including India to compete
Riyadh, Apr 9: The Esports Foundation (EF) today announced the full 16-game lineup for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), the premier global nation-based esports tournament, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2–29, 2026. Over 100,000 players from 100 countries and territories, including India, are expected to participate in hundreds of qualifiers throughout the year for the chance to represent their nations on the world stage.
The ENC 2026 will feature a diverse roster of 16 esports titles, including Apex Legends, Chess, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, EA SPORTS FC, Fatal Fury, Honor of Kings, League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG: Battlegrounds, PUBG MOBILE, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, Street Fighter 6, Trackmania, and VALORANT.
NODWIN Gaming, a global leader in esports and gaming, has been appointed as India’s National Team Partner. The company will oversee the country’s qualifiers, team formation, grassroots engagement, coaching, and coordination with publishers and esports stakeholders, creating a structured pathway for Indian talent to compete internationally.
“The ENC 2026 lineup is designed not just around the biggest titles but to create the broadest possible global footprint,” said Fabian Scheuermann, Chief Games Officer at the Esports Foundation. “Different games connect with different communities, and our goal is to give millions the chance to participate, discover talent, and rally behind their national teams.”
The ENC introduces structured nation-based competition to the global esports calendar, enabling countries to build talent pathways and strengthen their esports ecosystems. The tournament is supported by a $45 million funding commitment (approximately INR 416 crore), including a $20 million prize pool (approximately INR 185 crore) distributed equally among players and coaches. First-place winners receive $50,000 per player, second place $30,000, and third place $15,000, ensuring a transparent and consistent prize structure.
