Esports: Official Launch of the Esports Nations Cup, a New Global Competition Set for 2026 in Riyadh -

The year begins on a strong note for the global esports ecosystem. The Esports World Cup Foundation has officially unveiled the competition format and qualification model for the inaugural edition of the Esports Nations Cup, scheduled to take place in November 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

This announcement represents a major strategic milestone for the Foundation, which aims to play a long-term role in structuring and expanding esports on a global scale. Designed to be innovative, inclusive, and firmly centered on national representation, the Esports Nations Cup introduces a new chapter in international esports competition.

An Ambitious and Inclusive Format

The Esports Nations Cup will feature 16 game titles, contested over a four-week period. Competitions will alternate between team-based and individual formats, developed in close collaboration with game publishers and official partners.

Unlike traditional club-based tournaments, participating teams will consist of national selections, bringing together the best eligible players from each country rather than full club rosters. Depending on the discipline, 24 to 48 national teams will compete in team events, while individual competitions will include 32 to 128 players per title.

The qualification system will combine direct invitations, based on seasonal performance, with open online regional qualifiers, ensuring broad and fair access to the tournament. Another key innovation is the guarantee of a minimum number of matches for qualified participants, designed to foster compelling national storylines and deepen fan engagement.

Promoting Diversity and Global Representation

The competition format has been specifically designed to accommodate a wide range of participants, with the core objective of ensuring genuine geographic diversity and global representation. For teams and players reaching the final stages, the guarantee of multiple matches is essential. It enables the development of rivalries, strengthens national identity, and delivers a more emotionally engaging experience for fans—rooted in national pride and collective support.

A Complementary Role Within the Club Ecosystem

The Esports World Cup Foundation has been keen to reassure established stakeholders within the industry: the Esports Nations Cup is not intended to replace the club-based ecosystem. Clubs remain the backbone of competitive esports, playing a critical role in talent development and long-term career progression.

Instead, the new competition adopts a complementary approach, bringing top players together in national teams on a periodic basis while preserving the integrity of club competitions. Close collaboration with game publishers will ensure seamless integration into existing ecosystems, reinforcing the tournament’s credibility from its very first edition.

A Long-Term Vision for Global Esports

The Esports Nations Cup will be held biennially, with the inaugural event confirmed for Riyadh in 2026. Looking ahead, organizers are considering a rotation of host cities and increased support for national esports development programs worldwide.

For those behind the project, the ambition is clear: to offer players the unique opportunity to represent their country on the global stage, while strengthening the emotional bond between esports and its communities. A vision that could ultimately reshape the role of international competitions in the future of global esports.