By launching the application process for official National Team Partners, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) unveiled the national team representation structure for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), the international nation-based esports tournament scheduled to make its debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November.
Through a regular, regulated framework, the Esports Nations Cup brings national team representation to the international esports calendar. By allowing players to participate under their country flag and giving spectators a chance to identify with top esports through national identity, it enhances the Club-based Esports World Cup.
Building and representing their national esports teams internationally will be the duty of National Team Partners, who will act as the official national counterparts for the ENC 2026 within their respective nations and territories. They will supervise and assist national team coaches for each game title, interact with game partners and clubs inside the ENC framework, and arrange team representation for the ENC in collaboration with the EWCF.
Beyond competition, National Team Partners will work with media, public institutions, and creators to mobilize their local communities to develop national fandom for their teams. They will also use marketing, communications, and community engagement to construct their national team identity.
While National Team Partners are responsible for organizing and representing national teams, ENC regulations and game partner-aligned procedures continue to control player eligibility and competitive integrity.
Each chosen National Team Partner will nominate a National Team Manager to serve as the team’s public face and principal spokesperson. They are officially approved by the EWCF and will serve as the main point of contact between the local ecosystem team and the EWCF, assisting with coordination, representation, and activation at the national and territorial levels.
Beginning with ENC 2026, the EWCF will commit at least $20 million a year to the ENC Development Fund, which will promote the long-term expansion of nation-based esport. Supported by the commercial, marketing, and operational capabilities necessary to deliver these activities consistently over time, the Fund will support national team programs by paying for travel and logistics for participation in the Esports Nations Cup as well as by facilitating fan-facing and promotional activities that increase national teams’ relevance, awareness, and engagement outside of the main competition.
This includes support for training camps and boot camps with organized fan access, showcase events and exhibition matches, official watch parties, national team tours, and appearances at important gaming and sporting events.
As part of the onboarding process, certain National Team Partners will get additional information about scope, eligibility, and implementation.
“The purpose of the Esports World Cup Foundation is to elevate esports and make it sustainable,” stated Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “The Esports Nations Cup represents a logical progression in this 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.”
Esports organizations, clubs, agencies, non-governmental organizations, national federations and associations for esports and sports, reputable government-mandated organizations, content producers, and seasoned esports experts with close ties to the national ecosystem are among the eligible applicants.
The esportsnationscup.com application period is currently open and will end on January 31, 2026. A multi-stage evaluation procedure will be used to analyze submissions, evaluating governance standards, ecosystem standing, operational capabilities, community reach, and alignment with the needs of game partners.
Early in 2026, the first group of authorized National Team Partners will be revealed.
The ENC will take place every two years in Riyadh in November 2026 before switching to a rotating city model. This will give players and esports organizations a stable framework and promote long-term investment in national team programs.
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