Frequently Asked Questions

The ENC is the global nation-based esports competition set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2026. It introduces national representation to the global esports calendar in a structured, recurring format. ENC complements the Club-based Esports World Cup by enabling players to compete under their national flag and offering fans an opportunity to connect with elite esports through national identity.

ENC will debut November 2-29, 2026.

ENC will be hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2026 before moving to a rotating city model. The ENC will be held every two years to provide a dependable structure for players and esports organizations, encouraging long-term investment in national team programs.

ENC is the first game-partner-aligned, multi-title, recurring global competition with a unified national governance framework.

The Esports Nations Cup is governed by the Esports Foundation (EF), a non-profit organization, which sets the global framework, governance standards, and operational rules in alignment with game partners.

ENC recognizes 200+ countries and territories, in reference to established international sports governance for multi-sport events. Players and coaches from selected nations and territories might be required to follow directions of EF on how they represent their countries/territories, based on their nations status in the international sports community and established best practices. The full list of eligible countries and territories can be found here.

EF works with the National Team Partner to ensure compliance while preserving ENC competitive integrity where possible, and respect their national legal framework to the best extent possible

ENC in 2026 will feature 16 of the biggest esports titles across 4 weeks.

• APEX Legends
• Chess.com
• Counter Strike 2
• DOTA 2
• Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
• FC 26
• Honor of Kings
• League of Legends
• Mobile Legends: Bang Bang,
• PUBG
• PUBG Mobile
• Rainbow Six: Siege
• Rocket League,
• Street Fighter 6
• Trackmania
• Valorant

The title lineup may evolve and change per edition.

ENC governance is aligned with game partners. Game partners retain authority over game-specific rules, eligibility, and competitive integrity where their license mandates it, while EF oversees the unified national framework across titles.

ENC operates under a sport-based governance framework focused on competitive integrity, inclusivity, and fairness. Political messaging, symbolism, or interference is not permitted within ENC operations.

ENC Qualifiers are open to anyone. For the Finals event itself, team-based competitions will feature between 24 and 48 nations, maximum one team per nation, while solo-player titles will feature between 32 and 128 players with a maximum of two players per nation. Further details can be found on the tournament pages on the ENC website.

ENC aims to ensure the widest possible global representation. For team-based titles, each nation may field only one team per title at ENC. However, in some game titles, qualification pathways may allow multiple teams from the same nation to compete in order to determine which team will represent their nation at ENC.

For solo player titles, a maximum of two players per nation may qualify for ENC.

No. ENC aims to deliver a distinct national team experience, bringing together each nation's best players into unique competitive line-ups. Full eligibility rules and roster requirements can be found here.

The qualifier details for each game title can be found on the competition pages on the ENC website. Further qualifier details will be revealed by the end of April.

Yes, as long as those titles do not overlap schedule-wise during both the qualifiers and the main event.

ENC is largely aligned with game partners and their ecosystem calendars to avoid conflicts, where possible. Clubs will be incentivized to release players nominated to ENC26 and will be able to earn based on their players success and performance through a compensation system, to be introduced by EWCF within Q1 2026.

Clubs will earn 40% of their player’s prize money, if they make it to the top 16. The club prize money is additive to the player prize money, not deducted from it. This provides a total $5 million fund incentive for clubs to release their players to ENC.

ENC 2026 is designed to be a one-week live event per game title with one or a maximum of two weekends of online qualifiers.

No! The ENC calendar is aligned with publishers and other tournament organizers to avoid schedule overlaps. There are very few exceptions where it has not been possible to prevent an overlap in specific titles.

No. ENC participation is designed to coexist with club contracts. Clubs are compensated for releasing players, and calendars are aligned to minimize conflicts.

No, national teams are free to engage coaches of different nationalities.

The Esports World Cup Foundation, the host and organizer of the Esports Nations Cup, will select the National Team Partner through a two-phased application process.

Each selected National Team Partner will nominate a National Team Manager, verified and approved by the EWCF.

National game coaches for each respective title will be responsible for the selection and will determine which players will form the strongest rosters. All players must fulfill the player eligibility criteria.

Appointments are made for one year only, covering ENC 2026. Following the event, EWCF will conduct a feedback and evaluation process with all selected National Team Partners and National Team Managers. A new application process will be launched ahead of ENC 2028.

National Team Partners will serve as the official national counterparts for the ENC 2026, within their respective countries and territories, with the responsibility of building and representing their national esports teams on the global stage. In partnership with the EWCF, they will coordinate team representation for the ENC, oversee and support national team coaches per game title, and coordinate with game partners and Clubs within the ENC framework. Beyond competition, National Team Partners will shape their national team identity through marketing, communications, and community engagement, and collaborate with creators, media, and public institutions to mobilize their local communities to build national fandom for their teams.

A National Team Partner acts as the official national representative for ENC participation only. It does not replace or assume the role of a national federation or governing bodies through their ENC participation.

The National Team Manager is an individual reporting to the National Team Partner who will serve as a primary contact between the EWCF and the national team, supporting coordination, representation and activation at country or territory level. They will handle all operational aspects of the national team (travel, visa, scheduling, etc).

Coaches are expected to select the best players in their respective country/territory, to the best of their availability. Selecting players that do not represent the best that their nation has to offer could lead to EWCF rejecting roster decisions, and potentially removing a game coach or National Team Manager.

Yes, provided conflicts of interest are disclosed and approved by EWCF and the game partner.

No, as for integrity reasons that would constitute a conflict of interest.

In such cases the National Team Manager may assume the responsibilities of the National Team Partner. These additional responsibilities are optional, allowing the National Team Manager to focus on their role of managing all operational matters for their national teams.

For nations without any selected National Team Partner or National Team Manager the EWCF will appoint a regional manager to support teams and players, ensuring they are still able to participate in the ENC.

ENC does not require any legal relationship between national players and National Team Partners; players are subject to a standardized Tournament Participation Agreement like for any esports event. If a National Team Partner wishes to acquire certain rights on the players side, they are free to enter agreements with players and clubs as long as they are not in conflict with ENC rules and regulations or the legal relationship of players to either EWCF or their professional club.

National Team Partners may provide feedback and participate in consultations, but final rule-making authority rests with EWCF and game partners.

Public communication must remain aligned with ENC governance and communications guidelines. Disagreements should be handled through internal governance channels.

No. It is a part-time, fixed-term volunteer role with defined deliverables, and a pre-defined compensation for time and efforts invested, provided directly by EWCF.

National Team Managers operate under EWCF agreements and defined scopes of responsibility. Legal liability is governed by the applicable agreements and local law.

You submit the application form and accept the NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) and Process Agreement. The EF verifies your eligibility - checking legal standing, publisher relationships, and baseline operational capacity. This is a qualification round and pre-selected candidates will be invited to phase 2.

Government-mandated organizations and officially recognized federations are eligible partners, among a variety of others considered options from the private sector. All partners need to ENC’s meet governance and operational criteria.

Yes, partnerships and consortium-style delivery models are allowed and preferred, as long as one legal entity holds responsibility.

No. Phase 1 focuses on your eligibility, governance, and ability to operate at a national level - not on having teams already in place. If shortlisted to Phase 2, applicants will be asked to provide a preliminary list of top players and coach candidates for each title. Finalized rosters are not required at the selection stage, however applicants must demonstrate capability to identify and select the appropriate players when required.

Shortlisted applicants receive an invitation to submit more detailed materials. The EF conducts a deeper review of your ecosystem standing, talent identification plans, community reach, alignment with publisher standards, operational readiness, and ecosystem collaborations. This is the full evaluation. After Phase 2, final selections are made, and selected partners sign a Participation Agreement.

No. National Team Managers must hold a valid passport of the country or territory they are applying to represent.

EF selects one partner per country/territory for ENC26. Unsuccessful applicants may still collaborate with the winning partner.

There is no formal appeal process for ENC26. However, feedback may be provided, and applicants are encouraged to reapply for future editions.

Organizations: no - only where they are legally registered. Individuals: National Team Managers must hold citizenship of the country/territory they apply for. For dual citizens, this means they can apply to both countries where they hold a valid passport. However, they can ultimately only be selected to represent one nation at ENC.

Players and Coaches do not earn salaries, but receive prize money based on their tournament placement. Travel, accommodation, catering, visas, transportation and other event-related logistics are provided by EF.

Some support may be available to National Team Partners through the ENC Development Fund or via National Team Partner initiatives.

Operationally to the National Team Manager. Competitively, they operate within game partner and ENC rules.

Coaches are expected to select the best players in their respective country/territory, to the best of their availability. Selecting players that do not represent the best that their nation has to offer could lead to EWCF rejecting roster decisions, and potentially removing a game coach or National Team Manager.

Yes, provided conflicts of interest are disclosed and approved by EWCF and the game partner.

No, as for integrity reasons that would constitute a conflict of interest.

No, national teams are free to engage coaches of different nationalities.

ENC applies a unified code of conduct covering competitive integrity, behavior, anti-cheating, and public representation—aligned with game partner standards.

Yes, within defined guidelines. Live match content, backstage areas, and competitive communications may have restrictions.

EF holds event and broadcast rights, as well as all rights to the national jersey. Players retain personal likeness rights outside ENC-specific activations and productions.

The core criteria include ecosystem standing, operation capability, community reach, alignment with publisher requirements, and their outline for how they aim to rally their local community behind their national team.

The full player eligibility rules can be found here.

Yes. Clubs releasing players to compete at the ENC Finals 2026 will receive financial compensation.

Clubs will earn 40% of their player’s prize money, if they make it to the top 16. The club prize money is additive to the player prize money, not deducted from it. This provides a total $5 million fund incentive for clubs to release their players to ENC.

National Team Partners do not receive a direct compensation from the EF. However, they will be able to access the ENC Development Fund.

To support the long-term growth of nation-based esports, the EF will establish the ENC Development Fund, committing at least $20 million annually beginning with ENC 2026. The Fund will support national team programs by covering travel and logistics for participation in the Esports Nations Cup, and by enabling promotional and fan-facing activities that build relevance, awareness, and engagement around national teams beyond the main competition, supported by the commercial, marketing, and operational capabilities required to deliver these activities consistently over time. This includes support for training camps and bootcamps with structured fan access, exhibition matches and showcase events, official watch parties, national team tours, and appearances at major gaming and sports events.

National Team Managers total compensation for ENC26 is determined by the nation’s performance: NTM will receive $5,000 for one qualified game or five qualifier participations, with the amount increasing by $5,000 for each additional qualified game up to a maximum of $25,000 for five or more games.

Coaches will be treated equally to players at ENC, receiving an equal share of the prize money.

Players will be compensated through prize money.

Your information is used exclusively to run the ENC selection process, including eligibility checks and verification, due diligence (background checks, publisher verification), and necessary follow-up communication. Your application is covered by the NDA and Process Agreement you accept in Phase 1. The EF will not share any personal data publicly without your consent. For complete details about data usage, retention, and your rights, please refer to the Privacy Notice available on the Legal page.

Existing roles and relationships do not automatically disqualify you. However, you must clearly disclose them in your application. The EF reviews potential conflicts of interest on a case-by-case basis. We may request additional information or ask you to implement mitigation steps to ensure alignment with ENC integrity standards. When in doubt, declare it. Transparency in Phase 1 is much better than conflicts discovered later.

You don't need to invest money beyond the time your team dedicates to the project. However, you're free to invest additional resources from your side to support your national teams in preparation, competition, and fan engagement activities.

No financial commitments are required. No expenses are expected that you would pay out-of-pocket. The EF provides standardized compensation to recognize your time investment. Travel and accommodation for the tournament are covered by the EF through the ENC Development Fund. The role is designed to be accessible without requiring personal financial resources.

Some support may be available to National Team Partners through the ENC Development Fund or via National Team Partner initiatives.

Yes - within a defined framework. All commercial activations must align with EWCFs frameworks, to be released within Q1 2026.

Global broadcast and competition rights sit with EF. National Team Partners receive defined local activation rights, and are encouraged to build relationships with national media partners in alignment with EF.

National jerseys will be developed centrally by EF for the 2026 edition of the Esports Nations Cup, and it may feature global and regional sponsors that will contribute to the ENC Development Fund (accessible by National Team Partners).