Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (August 18, 2026) — The Esports Foundation (EF) announced today that, following an ongoing assessment of the broader regional situation and in consultation with key stakeholders, the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC), originally scheduled to be held in Riyadh in November 2026, will be postponed to November 2027.
Given the unprecedented international scale of the ENC and the uncertainty arising from the broader regional situation, the Esports Foundation believes that postponing the inaugural event to November 2027 is a responsible decision to provide national teams, game publishers, partners and fans with the certainty and stability they expect. The ENC brings together teams and stakeholders from more than 100 countries and regions. Saudi Arabia remains fully capable of hosting major events, with major sports and entertainment events continuing as planned.
This decision reflects the Esports Foundation's commitment to delivering a world-class international event that meets the founding standards and long-term vision of the Esports Nations Cup. This postponement will not change the Esports Foundation's investment in the ENC and the national esports ecosystem being built around it.
All existing ENC Development Fund commitments to National Team Partners will remain unchanged. The ENC Development Fund and related ecosystem development projects will continue to progress, and collaboration with game publishers, National Team Partners and other stakeholders will continue uninterrupted. The Esports Foundation will communicate directly with partners on the adjusted timeline and the transition to the inaugural event in 2027.
“The decision to postpone the Esports Nations Cup was not taken lightly,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation. “The response from national team partners, game publishers, players and the community around the world has shown us the immense potential of this event. We owe them an inaugural ENC presented under the right conditions and at the level this concept deserves. Hosting the event in Riyadh next year does not change our commitment. We will continue to invest in our national team partners, work with game publishers, and build the national ecosystem that has already begun to take shape around the event. The work continues, and our ambition for the ENC remains unchanged.”
ENC has gained tremendous momentum worldwide. More than 100 countries and regions across continents have secured official partner status and will bring together top players from around the globe to compete in multiple game titles. ENC aims to complement the existing esports ecosystem, open new pathways for athletes, strengthen national esports development, and foster a new fan culture through national pride and international competition.
In the coming weeks, EF will continue to work closely with national team partners, game publishers and other stakeholders to provide clear information on the adjusted event schedule, qualification pathways and other related matters.
About the Esports Foundation
The Esports Foundation (EF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the sustainable development of esports globally. Its mission is to elevate the sport, empower players, and help shape a future where esports stands proudly among the world's most popular sports.
About the Esports Nations Cup
The Esports Nations Cup (ENC) is a biennial global esports event founded by the Esports Foundation (EF), bringing national pride to the world stage. The ENC will launch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2026, where the world's top players will represent their countries and regions rather than clubs, competing across a series of leading esports titles. Co-created with game partners, clubs, and esports organizations, the ENC establishes the first major, recurring esports platform dedicated to national teams. Beyond competition, it aims to ignite fan passion, create heroes, and provide a sustainable pathway for nations, players, and partners to thrive within the global esports ecosystem.