The EWCF has opened the application process for official National Team Partners for the 2026 Esports Nations Cup (ENC). To support the long-term growth of nation-based esports, the EWCF is establishing the ENC Development Fund, committing a minimum of $20 million each year.
The EWCF (Esports World Cup Foundation) has introduced a framework for national team representation for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup in 2026 and has opened the application process for official National Team Partners. In order to support the long-term growth of nation-based esports, the EWCF will establish the ENC Development Fund, committing a minimum of $20 million each year, starting from ENC 2026.
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has introduced a framework for national team representation in the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC). This is a global, nation-based esports competition which is set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November. The Esports Nations Cup complements the club-based Esports World Cup by introducing national team representation.
The EWCF has opened the application process for official National Team Partners. These partners will serve as the official national counterparts for the ENC 2026 within their respective countries and territories. They will be responsible for building and representing their national esports teams on the global stage. Eligible applicants include esports organisations, clubs, agencies, NGOs, national esports and sports federations and associations, recognised government-mandated entities, content creators and experienced esports professionals with strong ties to the national ecosystem. Applications are open now at esportsnationscup.com and will close on 31 January 2026. Submissions will undergo a multi-stage evaluation process to assess governance standards, ecosystem standing, operational capability, community reach and alignment with the requirements of game partners.
In order to support the long-term growth of nation-based esports, the EWCF will establish the ENC Development Fund, committing a minimum of $20 million each year, starting from ENC 2026. The fund will support national team programmes by covering travel and logistics costs for participation in the Esports Nations Cup. It will also enable promotional and fan-facing activities that build the national teams' relevance, awareness and engagement beyond the main competition.
"The purpose of the Esports World Cup Foundation is to elevate esports and make it sustainable. 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." - Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation
Each selected National Team Partner will nominate a National Team Manager, who will act as the public lead and primary representative of their respective national team. Acting as the main point of contact between the EWCF and the local ecosystem team, they will support coordination, representation and activation at country and territory level. Their appointment is formally confirmed by the EWCF. Outside of the competition, National Team Partners will develop their national team's identity through marketing, communication and community engagement. They will also collaborate with creators, the media and public institutions to build national support for their teams.
The first cohort of approved National Team Partners will be announced in early 2026. The ENC will be held every two years, starting with an event hosted in Riyadh in November 2026, before moving to a rotating city model.
