Esports Finally Embraces National Teams: Ralf Reichert’s Historic Announcement

Steven K. DADJI 29 January 2026 2 min read

It is an announcement that marks a defining moment in the history of global esports. With a tone of vision, ambition, and genuine wonder, Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, unveiled the creation of the Esports Nations Cup 2026, a competition set to fundamentally reshape the international esports ecosystem.

Since its beginnings, esports has always been global, bringing together players and communities across borders. Yet it has long lacked the emotional and symbolic dimension that defines traditional global sports: national representation. With the announcement of the Esports Nations Cup, Ralf Reichert opens a new chapter, one in which esports finally adopts a credible, long-term structure aligned with the standards of global sport.

The scale of the commitment immediately captured attention. A $45 million investment has been allocated to support the Esports Nations Cup ecosystem, placing sustainability and people at the heart of the project. $20 million will be paid directly to players and coaches across 16 competitive titles, guided by a powerful and unprecedented principle: equal results, equal pay, regardless of game or discipline.

A further highlight of the announcement is the explicit recognition of clubs as the cultural backbone of esports. $5 millionhas been dedicated to enabling player release for national team duty, reinforcing the essential role clubs play in the growth and identity of the ecosystem. In parallel, a $20 million Development Fund will support the creation of sustainable national team programs, designed to endure far beyond one-off lineups.

Having successfully united gaming communities worldwide through the Esports World Cup, the Esports Nations Cup now aims to go even further. By tapping into national pride, the competition is poised to reach audiences well beyond the world’s 3.4 billion gamers, connecting esports with the broader global sports audience bound by identity and belonging.

While the Esports World Cup remains the pinnacle of club competition, the Esports Nations Cup introduces a powerful new layer at global scale: national teams. The same stars will take the stage, but everything changes when players compete for their country.

Scheduled to take place in Riyadh from November 2 to 29, 2026, before transitioning to a rotating host city model, the Esports Nations Cup already stands as a landmark event. More than a tournament, it represents esports coming of age embracing identity, emotion, and a sense of collective wonder on the world stage.