Trackmania Joins Mobile Legends for 2026 Esports Nations Cup

The road to Riyadh just got faster. The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially confirmed that Trackmania will be the second title featured in the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC). Set to take place from November 19 to November 22, 2026, the event will see 32 of the world’s best drivers drift and speed for national glory rather than club affiliation. This announcement cements Trackmania as a cornerstone of the new tournament, joining Mobile Legends: Bang Bang on the roster of 16 titles planned for the multi-national event. Unlike the summer Esports World Cup, which focuses on club-based competition, the ENC is all about representing your country. The tournament will feature a $250,000 USD prize pool, offering a distinct avenue for players to shine on the world stage. 

While the summer edition offers a larger $500,000 pot for club teams, the ENC focuses on individual skill within a national framework, celebrating the game’s 20-year esports legacy. This move is part of a broader strategic partnership between the EWCF and Ubisoft Nadeo to elevate solo competition. To support this ecosystem, organizers are also launching a $20 million Esports Nations Cup Development Fund and recruiting National Team Partners to ensure athletes have the resources to compete at the highest level.

Cup Mode Format and Regional Qualifiers

The competition will utilize Trackmania’s signature "Cup Mode" in a high-pressure 1v1v1v1 setup designed to test both mental endurance and raw speed. The 32-player field will be split into four groups of eight for the initial phase. In this stage, racers must reach a point limit of 120 to secure their spot, with only the top four from each group advancing.

As the tournament moves to the single-elimination playoffs, the intensity ramps up for the remaining 16 drivers. The difficulty increases with a higher 140-point threshold required to earn "Finalist" status. Once a driver becomes a Finalist, they must win a subsequent round to secure outright victory and the championship title, as reported by EsportsInsider. 

Qualifying for the ENC will be a rigorous process designed to ensure global diversity while maintaining elite standards. A total of 16 slots will be awarded through direct invitations based on the "Trackmania Elite Cup Ranking." This system tracks players across ten weekly global tournaments, aggregating their best five results. To keep the field diverse, nations are capped at a maximum of two players each, with priority given to ranked invites.

For those who don’t secure a direct invite, 14 spots will be available through regional online qualifiers running from June 19 to June 21, 2026. These double-elimination brackets will cover the Americas, Western and Eastern Europe, the Middle East & Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The final two spots in the bracket are reserved for Wildcard entries, completing the 32-player lineup. This announcement comes amidst a massive year for the title. Before the Nations Cup in November, Trackmania will make its debut at the Esports World Cup, taking place throughout July and August. 

The game’s inclusion has already triggered major moves in the scene, such as the Saudi Arabian organization Team Falcons signing seven-time world champion Carl-Antoni ‘CarlJr’ Cloutier earlier this year. With the stage set for both summer and winter showdowns, 2026 promises to be a defining year for Trackmania esports.