This one is for the gamers.
Last summer, Esports World Cup saw intense action, nail-biting fights, and the biggest prize pot in the history of the sport.
The tournament closed out with a massive celebration with none other than Mr. CR7 himself handing the trophy to champions Saudi Falcons. We are expecting a repeat this year.
Before the sadness could set in however, the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) was announced. Now, after months of speculation, we finally have not one, but three confirmed games.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Trackmania, and DOTA 2 have already been announced as the Esports Nations Cup 2026’s first three games. Add to that Chess, Honor of Kings, and Fatal fury: City of Wolves
Part of a stacked 16-game tournament, these six games will be played in November this year when the first-ever ENC starts.
So, turn on your gaming systems. Here is everything to know about the upcoming championship.
Esports Nations Cup 2026
Light up those HUDs again. The Esports World Cup Foundation’s second gaming tournament, Esports Nations Cup, is set to be a first-of-its-kind tournament where the world’s top players will suit up to represent their countries on the global stage like never before. The tournament will be mixing the thrill of national pride with top-tier, high-stakes competition.
Esports Nations Cup 2026 location
The exact location of the cup has not been revealed yet.
Esports Nations Cup 2026 dates
Each game will have its own schedule. DOTA 2 will have all 32 teams competing for gold from Monday, November 2 to Sunday, November 8 alongwith the oldest strategy game in the world which will bring 128 competitors to the Riyadh stage once more.
Fatal Fury: City of wolves will kick-off week 2 from Thursday, November 12 to Sunday, November 15.
Trackmania will kick everything into high-gear from Thursday, November 19 to Saturday, November 21.
Mobile Legends will build on the momentum at Esports Nations Cup 2026 from Monday, November 23 to Sunday, November 29.
One of the final games to be played, Honor of Kings will bring its virtual battle arena from Tuesday, November 24 to Sunday, November 29.
Esports Nations Cup 2026 tickets
Tickets for the event will be released closer to the opening day.
Esports Nations Cup 2026 games announced
- Chess
- DOTA 1
- Fatal Fury: City of Wolves
- Honor of Kings
- Mobile Legends
- Trackmania
What to expect at the Esports Nations Cup 2026
DOTA 2
Dota 2 starts with 32 national teams battling it out in four round robin groups before the field is cut to a high stakes, single elimination playoff. Group stage matches are fast and unforgiving in best of one showdowns, while the playoffs raise the intensity with best of three clashes, all building toward a best of five Grand Final. The road to Riyadh is split between rankings and qualifiers, with 16 teams earning direct invites through the Dota 2 National Team Ranking, 14 fighting through regional online qualifiers running from mid June to early July, and two wildcard spots rounding out a truly global lineup.
Trackmania
A total of 32 players will represent their national teams at ENC, with spots decided through rankings, qualifiers, and wildcards. Sixteen players earn direct invites via the Trackmania Elite Cup Ranking run by Ubisoft Nadeo, based on the best five results from ten global weekly tournaments, with one player per nation. Fourteen more qualify through regional online qualifiers taking place Friday, June 19 to Sunday, June 21, joined by two wildcard entries, with regional slots spread across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, all while ensuring no nation sends more than two players in total.
Mobile Legends Bang Bang
The road to ENC glory blends rankings, qualifiers, and a little wildcard magic. Sixteen national teams lock in their spots through the new Mobile Legends Bang Bang Nation Ranking System, while fourteen more battle it out in regional online qualifiers taking place from Friday, August 14 to Sunday, August 16. Two wildcard entries complete the lineup, with slots spread across the Americas, Europe, MENA, Asia, Oceania, and Africa, making sure the competition feels truly global from the very first match.
Chess
Esports Nations Cup 2026 will bring fast, fierce chess action as 128 top players from around the world compete in a rapid 10+0 showdown. After a group stage, the best advance into knockout playoffs packed with tie-break drama and high-pressure moments. With players qualifying through global rankings, regional battles, and wildcards, it’s set to be a true worldwide clash of speed, skill, and strategy.
Fatal Fury: City of Wolves
Fatal Fury lights up tournament week two as 32 players clash in high-energy group stages before the top 16 battle it out in knockout playoffs to crown the champion. With qualifiers and wildcard spots feeding in fresh talent, expect fast fights, big moments, and nonstop hype all the way to the Grand Final.
Honor of Kings
Honor of Kings takes center stage at the Esports Nations Cup 2026 as 24 top teams go head-to-head in a high-energy showdown. After a fierce group stage across four groups, the best 16 advance to a single-elimination playoff sprint, where every match counts and only one team will rise to claim the crown. Expect big plays, bold strategies, and nonstop action all week long.
Esports in Saudi
The Esports World Cup 2026 is set to bring non-stop gaming action this summer. Tickets for the tournament have gone live. What’s more, the cup has the largest prize pot in the game’s history, surpassing last year’s number by quite a few zeros.
Mon Nov 2-Sun Nov 29. Riyadh, esportsnationscup.com.
