Esports Nations Cup 2026 backed by $45m funding commitment

The Esports World Cup Foundation has confirmed that the Esports Nations Cup 2026 will be supported by a three-part funding commitment totaling $45 million.

Of the total, $20m will be distributed as prize money to players and coaches across 16 titles. 

A further $5m has been set aside as incentives for esports clubs that release their professional players to compete, with rewards tied to on-stage performance. 

The remaining $20m will be deployed through the ENC Development Fund to support national teams with logistics, operations, marketing, and long-term pathway development.

A new format 

Individual prizing will see first-place players receive $50,000 each, with $30,000 awarded for second place and $15,000 for third. For team-based titles, payouts will be scaled based on roster size.

The Esports Nations Cup will debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, running from November 2nd to 29th, 2026. The competition introduces a national-team format to the global esports calendar, running alongside the club-based Esports World Cup.

Following its debut, the ENC will be staged every two years to enable long-term planning for players, partners, and national programmes. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Trackmania, and Dota 2 have been confirmed, with additional titles to be announced.