Image Source: Esports World Cup Foundation
The Esports Nations Cup (ENC) is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious projects in competitive gaming, and it just gained three major new partners.
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially announced that Chess.com, MOONTON Games, and SNK are joining the ENC as Official Publishers, alongside founding partners Electronic Arts, Krafton, Tencent, and Ubisoft. Together, these seven publishers will help build the foundation of the world’s first large-scale, nation-based esports competition.
A New Era for National Esports
Unlike traditional tournaments that focus on clubs and organizations, the Esports Nations Cup puts national pride at the center of competition. Players won’t just be playing for trophies — they’ll be representing their countries on the global stage.
With the addition of Chess.com, MOONTON Games, and SNK, the ENC now brings together a diverse lineup of iconic games, massive player communities, and global audiences. These publishers will work closely with the EWCF to design fair qualification systems and competition formats for their respective titles.
Publishers Co-Designing the Competition
All Official Publishers, both new and existing, will help shape:
- Qualification pathways
- Tournament formats
- Competitive rules and structure
This collaborative approach ensures that every title in the ENC remains competitive, balanced, and relevant to its player base, while maintaining a consistent global standard across all regions.
According to Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation:
“By partnering closely with publishers, we can make the Esports Nations Cup truly player-centric and give players the opportunity to represent their country in the games that define their careers.”
Global Competition, Regional Identity
The ENC will feature national teams from:
- North America
- South America
- Europe
- Middle East
- Africa
- Asia
- Oceania
The qualification system will combine global rankings, regional qualifiers, and wildcard entries — including solidarity placements — to ensure both competitiveness and inclusivity.
Players will compete in both team-based and solo formats, creating opportunities for stars across different genres and games.
First Event in 2026, Then Worldwide
The inaugural Esports Nations Cup will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November 2026. After that, the tournament will adopt a rotating host model, bringing national esports action to different countries and cultures every two years.
This long-term structure is designed to encourage investment in national esports programs and help build sustainable pathways for players and organizations.
Building on the Esports World Cup Legacy
The ENC builds on the success of the Esports World Cup, the world’s largest multi-title esports event. While the World Cup focuses on elite clubs, the Nations Cup introduces a new layer of competition — one driven by national identity.
The goal is simple: create heroes, grow fandom, and give players a stage that feels meaningful, earned, and unforgettable.
More details about the Esports Nations Cup will be revealed soon.