Esports Nations Cup 2026 announced: Dates, ₹413 crore prize pool & more
(Courtesy : Esports Nations Cup 2026)
Starting from November 2, 2026!
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today announced the competition dates and prize model for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), the new global esports competition built around national teams, national pride, and iconic rivalries.
The ENC is set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 through 29, 2026. The Esports Nations Cup adds a national layer to the global esports calendar.
It complements the Club-based Esports World Cup by giving players the chance to represent their nation, and offering fans a direct way to connect with elite competition through identity, pride, and shared moments.
Esports Nations Cup 2026 prize pool & more
ENC 2026 is backed by a three-part funding commitment totalling $45 million (approx INR 414 crore), structured to support the esports ecosystem through player and coach prizing, Club release incentives, and national team development.
Esports Nations Cup 2026 includes $20 million (approx INR 184 crore) in prize money paid directly to players and coaches across 16 titles. In addition, EWCF will provide $5 million (approx INR 46 crore) in Club incentives for esports Clubs that release and enable their professional players to participate in ENC, with rewards tied directly to the performance of their players at the event.
EWCF will also provide $20 million (approx INR 184 crore) through the previously announced ENC Development Fund, supporting Official National Team Partners with logistics, travel, program operations, national team marketing, and the long-term growth of national team pathways.
The Esports Nations Cup 2026 introduces a placement-based prize framework, applied across all game titles, designed to be clear and player-centric. Every qualified participant earns prize money and is guaranteed a minimum of three matches. Equal placement earns equal pay: the same finishing position pays the same amount per player across all titles, and coaches are rewarded alongside players for the same placement.
A first-place finish awards $50,000 (approx INR 46 lakh) per player, whether competing in a solo title or as part of a team. Second-place awards $30,000 (approx INR 28 lakh) per player, and third-place awards $15,000 (approx INR 14 lakh) per player. For team titles, payouts scale with the roster size, so the result is consistent and transparent for everyone competing.
“National teams bring a powerful new layer to esports, one that is accessible, intuitive, and rooted in identity and pride,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “Clubs are the cultural backbone of esports.
Nation-based competition expands the stage, creates new rivalries, and gives more fans a reason to care from day one. Our prize model is designed to keep competition fair and sustainable, rewarding performance while supporting the long-term development of players, Clubs, and national programs.”
Format & more details
The inaugural edition of the ENC will feature 16 game titles played over four weeks in team-based and solo-player formats. At the ENC Finals, team competitions will include 24 to 48 national teams per title, while solo competitions will feature 32 to 128 players, enabling broad participation across national esports ecosystems.
Each nation will be represented by one official national team per title and up to two players per title in solo competitions, ensuring clear, fair and globally balanced representation. In select titles, qualification pathways may allow multiple teams or players from the same nation at earlier stages to determine the official national representative.
Half of all participating national teams and players will receive direct invitations based on competitive performance across the esports season, with the remaining teams qualifying through open regional online qualifiers. Further details on national participation requirements, governance alignment and country-level representation will be shared as part of the upcoming Country Partner Applications.
National teams will be formed as distinct line-ups, combining each country’s top eligible players, as full Club rosters will not be permitted. This ensures national teams are built on merit, diversity and national identity rather than existing club structures. All national players and teams at the ENC Finals will be guaranteed a minimum of three matches, allowing national storylines and fandom to develop.
The ENC will launch in Riyadh in November 2026 and will move to a rotating host-city model, bringing nation-based esports to major cities around the world. The event will be held every two years to provide a dependable structure that supports long-term planning for players, partners, and national programs.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Trackmania, Dota 2 have already been confirmed for the Esports Nations Cup 2026, with additional titles to be announced in the coming days.
FAQs
When will the Esports Nations Cup 2026 take place?
The inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026 will be held from November 2 to November 29, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
What is the total prize pool for Esports Nations Cup 2026?
ENC 2026 is backed by a $45 million (approx ₹413 crore) funding commitment, including player prize money, club incentives, and national team development support.
How much prize money will players earn at Esports Nations Cup 2026?
Players will earn ₹46 lakh for first place, ₹28 lakh for second, and ₹14 lakh for third per player. Team payouts scale by roster size to ensure fairness.
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Mahaksh Chauhan is a passionate gaming journalist who loves for old-school RPGs and turn-based games. With a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of game mechanics, Mahaksh brings an unique perspective to the world of gaming. Inspired by classics like Persona, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Skyrim, Mahaksh is dedicated in sharing the magic of games with readers. When not writing or gaming, Mahaksh can be found cheering on WWE superstars or watching his favourite Anime.