The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced the national team representation framework for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC) and opened applications for official National Team Partners worldwide, including in India.
The Esports Nations Cup will debut in Riyadh in November 2026 and introduces a structured, recurring, nation-based esports competition, allowing players to compete under their national flags. The initiative complements the club-based Esports World Cup by providing a dedicated platform for national team representation in global esports.
Selected National Team Partners will be responsible for building and managing national esports teams, appointing national team managers, coordinating coaches, and representing their countries within the ENC framework. Partners will also lead marketing, community engagement, and fan development initiatives, while competitive integrity and player eligibility will remain governed by ENC regulations and game partner-aligned processes.
To support long-term growth, EWCF will establish an ENC Development Fund, committing at least $20 million annually starting with ENC 2026. The fund will support travel and logistics, training camps, exhibition matches, watch parties, and fan engagement activities aimed at strengthening national esports ecosystems.
Commenting on the announcement, Ralf Reichert, CEO, Esports World Cup Foundation, said the initiative is designed to create a sustainable and credible structure for nation-based esports competition.
Applications for National Team Partners are open until January 31, 2026, with the first cohort expected to be announced in early 2026. The Esports Nations Cup will be held every two years and will transition to a rotating host city model in future editions.