The Esports Nations Cup (ENC) will feature teams from countries and territories from all major regions, including North America, South America, Europe, MENA, Africa, Asia, and SEA & Oceania, competing in both team-based and solo-player formats. A multi-layered qualification model will balance competitiveness and inclusivity: combining global rankings, regional qualifiers, and Wildcard entries, including solidarity placements, to ensure a broad and representative competitive stage in every game. All players will receive guaranteed prize money, with equal placement rewards across all games, ensuring fairness for players. The Esports World Cup Foundation will work with relevant stakeholders in each region to shape how teams are formed and represented.
The ENC will be hosted every two years, providing a dependable structure for players, coaches, and esports organizations — and confidence for publishers, clubs, and partners to invest in long-term National and territorial teams programs.
As the newest addition to the EWCF portfolio, the ENC builds on the momentum of the Esports World Cup — the world's largest multi-title esports event — and extends its mission to a new layer of global competition. While the EWC unites the best clubs, the ENC unlocks a new frontier powered by National and territorial identity and regional representation.
The ENC will debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2027, before moving to a rotating host model, bringing National and territorial esports teams to fans and cultures worldwide.
The ENC announcement was made at the New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh, where 1,500 industry leaders convened to discuss the convergence of gaming, esports and sport.
The rise of a new rivalry. Esports Nations Cup
About the Esports World Cup Foundation
ESPORTS WORLD CUP FOUNDATION
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) is a non-profit organization based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, dedicated to advancing and professionalizing the global esports industry. Through the annual Esports World Cup (EWC) and the biennial Esports Nations Cup (ENC), EWCF brings together the world's top players, leading clubs, and millions of fans from the biggest stages in competitive gaming. Beyond hosting tournaments, the Foundation works year-round to grow the esports ecosystem, support talent development, and create lasting opportunities for players, teams, and partners worldwide.