Highlights
- The inaugural ENC will now take place in Riyadh in November 2027.
- The Esports Foundation cited regional uncertainty and stakeholder consultations behind the one-year delay.
- National Team Partners will retain existing Development Fund support as preparations continue.
The Esports Foundation has postponed the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) from November 2026 to November 2027, citing uncertainty surrounding the wider regional situation. The competition was scheduled to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with national teams and esports stakeholders from more than 100 countries and territories expected to participate.
The Foundation reported that the revised timeline will provide greater certainty and stability for teams, partners, publishers, and fans.
Why Has the Esports Nations Cup Been Delayed?
The decision, announced on Aug 18, 2026, followed an assessment of regional conditions and consultations with national team partners, publishers, and other stakeholders. The Foundation pointed out that Saudi Arabia remains capable of hosting major sporting and entertainment events, but the ENC's international scale requires suitable conditions for its first edition.
CEO of the Esports Foundation, Ralf Reichert, stated that the postponement was "not taken lightly" and reaffirmed the organization's commitment to hosting the tournament in Riyadh. He added the foundation will continue working with publishers and national team partners while developing the national esports ecosystems established around the ENC.
The competition is planned as a biennial event where players represent countries and territories rather than clubs. Official partners across every continent (over 100 countries) have already been secured.
What Happens to ENC Development Programs?
The postponement will not cancel existing ENC Development Fund commitments to National Team Partners. Related ecosystem programs will continue, with the Foundation working directly with partners on the revised timeline.
The ENC aims to create pathways for esports athletes, strengthen national esports development, and build international fandom through national competition. Further details on the revised competition calendar, qualification pathways, and other implications will be provided in the coming weeks.
With the Esports World Cup (EWC) already moved from Riyadh to Paris for its 2026 edition, the ENC postponement further highlights the impact of the regional situation on major esports events.
