Inaugural Esports Nations Cup Delayed Due to "Wider Regional Situation", Here's when It Will Take Place
The foundation said the delay will give national teams, publishers and partners more certainty as it revises the competition calendar and qualification pathways.
- The Esports Foundation announced the inaugural Esports Nations Cup, originally scheduled for November 2026 in Riyadh, will be postponed to November 2027.
- Citing uncertainty around the broader regional situation, the Foundation confirmed that Saudi Arabia remains capable of hosting major international events despite the delay.
- More than 100,000 players across 100 markets were expected to participate, with more than 700 coaches already appointed to national teams for the 16 esports titles.
- Existing commitments under the ENC Development Fund remain in place, while the Foundation will work with National Team Partners over coming weeks to clarify qualification pathways.
- Esports Foundation CEO Ralf Reichert stated the decision was not taken lightly, adding that the Foundation wants the first edition held "under the right conditions" alongside the Esports World Cup.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Esports Nations Cup postponed to November 2027
The Esports Foundation has postponed the inaugural Esports Nations Cup from November 2026 to November 2027, citing uncertainty around the wider regional situation. The event was scheduled to run in Riyadh from November 2 to 29, bringing together national teams from more than 100 countries and territories across 16 esports titles. The Foundation said the decision followed an assessment of the regional situation and consultations with key stakehol…
(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Ju-hwan = The Esports Nations Cup (ENC), which was scheduled to open for the first time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this November, due to the prolonged Iran war...
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