VALORANT Joins Esports Nations Cup 2026: National Teams to Battle in Riyadh

Lee Astley, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 20/02/2026

VALORANT will see a major change in its international competition in 2026.

Riot Games’ popular tactical shooter is now part of the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC 2026), but instead of the usual club-based VCT system, this event will feature national teams. The announcement comes after Riot Games revealed the VALORANT EMEA Clash earlier this month.

ENC 2026, which will take place in Riyadh and VALORANT matches are set for November 8–15, 2026, giving fans a week of intense national-team showdowns.

Unlike regular VCT events, players will wear their country’s colours, making this feel like a World Cup for VALORANT than a normal competition.

Tournament Format and Schedule for ENC 2026 VALORANT

ENC 2026 is built to challenge the best national teams over eight days. It starts with a big group stage, then moves to knockout playoffs.

There will be 32 national teams split into four groups of eight. Each team plays everyone in their group once (Best-of-One).

The top four teams from each group advance to a 16-team single-elimination bracket.

Playoff matches are Best-of-Three, and the Grand Final is Best-of-Five. The winner will become the first ENC VALORANT champion.

How National Teams Qualify via VCT Rankings and Regional Qualifiers

Teams can qualify for ENC 2026 in three different ways. There are 32 spots in total, with a system designed to let teams from around the world compete.

Sixteen spots go to the top countries in a new National Team Ranking, which adds up points from players’ VCT performances until June 21, 2026.

Fourteen more teams will qualify through online regional events held June 26–28, covering seven regions like North America, Western Europe, and Asia. The last two places are wildcards.

VALORANT Joins 16-Title Lineup for Global Esports Event

VALORANT is part of a stacked lineup for the Esports Nations Cup, joining games like Counter-Strike 2, Apex Legends, Dota 2, and EA Sports FC.

This is the first time VALORANT pros will swap club jerseys for national team shirts at a major event. ENC 2026 will be a highlight of the year and could spark new rivalries in the game.

Lee Astley, Senior Editor

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