RIYADH: The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced the competition dates and prize model for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026 in Riyadh from Nov. 2 to 29.

The ENC adds a national layer to the global esports calendar. It complements the club-based Esports World Cup by giving players the chance to represent their nations.

ENC 2026 is backed by a three-part funding commitment totaling $45 million, structured to support the esports ecosystem through player and coach prizing, club release incentives, and national team development.

It includes $20 million in prize money paid directly to players and coaches across 16 titles.

In addition, the EWCF will provide $5 million in incentives for clubs that release and enable their professional players to participate in the ENC, with rewards tied directly to the performance of their players at the event.

The EWCF will also provide $20 million through the previously announced ENC Development Fund, supporting partners with logistics, travel, program operations, marketing, and the long-term growth of national team pathways.

“National teams bring a powerful new layer to esports, one that is accessible, intuitive, and rooted in identity and pride,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the EWCF.

“Clubs are the cultural backbone of esports. Nation-based competition expands the stage, creates new rivalries, and gives more fans a reason to care from day one.

“Our prize model is designed to keep competition fair and sustainable, rewarding performance while supporting the long-term development of players, clubs, and national programs.”

The ENC introduces a placement-based prize framework, applied across all game titles, designed to be clear and player-centric. Every qualified participant earns prize money and is guaranteed a minimum of three matches.

Equal placement earns equal pay: the same finishing position pays the same amount per player across all titles, and coaches are rewarded alongside players for the same placement.

A first-place finish awards $50,000 per player, whether competing in a solo title or as part of a team, while second provides $30,000, and third $15,000. For team titles, payouts scale with the roster size, so the result is consistent and transparent for everyone competing.

The ENC will launch in Riyadh and move to a rotating host-city model. The event will be held every two years to provide a dependable structure that supports long-term planning for players, partners, and national programs.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Trackmania, Dota 2 have already been confirmed for ENC 2026, with additional titles to be announced in the coming days.