The Esports Foundation has announced that the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC), originally scheduled to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in November 2026, has been postponed to November 2027.
The foundation reached this decision following an ongoing evaluation of regional conditions, placing the highest priority on the safety and stability of national teams, fans, and stakeholders.
Inaugural Esports Nations Cup Postponed to November 2027: Support Initiatives Continue with Updated Dates and Details Forthcoming
The inaugural Esports Nations Cup is postponed to November 2027.
More information on our website: https://t.co/qYmapPZLhp pic.twitter.com/LPXQZKKgJO
— Esports Nations Cup (@ENC_EN) August 18, 2026
The Esports Foundation announced that the inaugural Esports Nations Cup, initially scheduled for November 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been postponed to November 2027.
While Saudi Arabia remains fully prepared to host and major events continue as scheduled, the foundation made the decision after a continuous assessment of regional developments, ensuring the safety and stability of national teams, fans, and stakeholders remain paramount.
Furthermore, all support commitments to national teams and partners via the existing ENC Development Fund will continue uninterrupted, along with ecosystem development programs and stakeholder collaborations.
The organization will conduct consultations regarding the revised schedule and further specifics for the 2027 tournament directly with each partner.
Comment from Esports Foundation CEO Ralf Reichert
“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, publishers, players and communities around the world has shown us how much potential this competition has. We owe them an inaugural ENC delivered under the right conditions and at the level this idea deserves. Hosting the tournament in Riyadh next year does not change our commitment. We will continue investing in our National Team Partners, working with publishers and building the national ecosystems already taking shape around the competition. The work continues, and our ambition for ENC remains unchanged.”
For the latest updates regarding the Esports Nations Cup, please visit the official Esports Nations Cup website.
