Esports World Cup Foundation outlines national team representation framework for the Esports Nations Cup 2026

Darragh Harbinson, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 09/01/2026

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has outlined the process by which national teams will be selected for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) in November.

The process begins with applications for ‘National Team Partners,’ who will organise their nation’s teams, marketing, content creation, and other duties.

EWCF provided the following list of potential candidates for NTP status:

• Esports organisations
• Clubs
• Agencies
• NGOs (Non-governmental organisations)
• National esports and sport federations and associations
• Recognised government-mandated entities
• Content creators
• Experienced esports professionals with strong national ecosystem ties

While National Team Partners will organise national teams, teams will only be accepted for the competition if they comply with “ENC rules and game partner-aligned processes.”

National Team Partners will also nominate a National Team Manager, who will liaise between the national team and EWCF.

Applications for National Team Partner status are open and will close on January 31, with an evaluation process to follow.

It is not yet public which specific esports which be included in the Esports Nations Cup, with EWCF’s roadmap indicating that games will be announced between the end of January and the first few weeks of February.

It is unclear who will represent the UK at this time; notable voices have expressed interest in being part of the process, such as Ninjas in Pyjamas COO, Grant Rousseau, who was previously General Director of Esports at Saudi org, Team Falcons.

Esports Nations Cup process outlined

The EWCF provided the following statement regarding the application process:

The Esports World Cup Foundation today introduced the national team representation framework for the Esports Nations Cup 2026, the global nation-based esports competition set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November, by opening the application process for official National Team Partners.

The Esports Nations Cup introduces national team representation to the global esports calendar in a structured, recurring format. It complements the Club-based Esports World Cup by enabling players to compete under their national flag and offering fans an opportunity to connect with elite esports through national identity.

National Team Partners will serve as the official national counterparts for the ENC 2026, within their respective countries and territories, with the responsibility of building and representing their national esports teams on the global stage. In partnership with the EWCF, they will coordinate team representation for the ENC, oversee and support national team coaches per game title, and coordinate with game partners and Clubs within the ENC framework.

Beyond competition, National Team Partners will shape their national team identity through marketing, communications, and community engagement, and collaborate with creators, media, and public institutions to mobilise their local communities to build national fandom for their teams.

While National Team Partners are responsible for the organisation and representation of national teams, the competitive integrity and player eligibility remain governed by ENC rules and game partner-aligned processes.

Each selected National Team Partner will nominate a National Team Manager who will serve as the public lead and primary representative of the national team. They will act as the primary contact between the EWCF and the local ecosystem team, supporting coordination, representation and activation at the country and territory level, and are formally confirmed by the EWCF.

To support the long-term growth of nation-based esports, the EWCF will establish the ENC Development Fund, committing at least $20 million annually beginning with ENC 2026. The Fund will support national team programs by covering travel and logistics for participation in the Esports Nations Cup, and by enabling promotional and fan-facing activities that build relevance, awareness, and engagement around national teams beyond the main competition, supported by the commercial, marketing, and operational capabilities required to deliver these activities consistently over time.

This includes support for training camps and bootcamps with structured fan access, exhibition matches and showcase events, official watch parties, national team tours, and appearances at major gaming and sports events.

Further details on scope, eligibility, and implementation will be shared with selected National Team Partners as part of the onboarding process.

“The purpose of the Esports World Cup Foundation is to elevate esports and make it sustainable,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “The Esports Nations Cup is a natural next step in that journey. By opening this application process, we are inviting trusted National Team Partners to help define the framework for how countries and territories are represented in esports with clear roles, aligned governance, and a system that works for players, game partners, and fans alike.”

Eligible applicants include esports organisations, Clubs, agencies, NGOs, national esports and sport federations and associations, recognised government-mandated entities, content creators, and experienced esports professionals with strong national ecosystem ties.

Applications are now open at esportsnationscup.com and will close on January 31, 2026. Submissions will be reviewed through a multi-stage evaluation process assessing governance standards, ecosystem standing, operational capability, community reach, and alignment with game partners’ requirements.

The first cohort of approved National Team Partners will be announced in early 2026.

Hosted in Riyadh in November 2026 before moving to a rotating city model, the ENC will be held every two years to provide a dependable structure for players and esports organisations, encouraging long-term investment in national team programs.

Darragh Harbinson, Senior Editor

Darragh Harbinson is an esports writer specialising in Counter-Strike. He has written for Esports News UK, Esports Insider, UKCSGO, Dexerto, and Rush B Media.

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