Esports World Cup Foundation confirms $45 million commitment for the Esports Nations Cup

2 February 2026

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced the competition dates and prize model for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), the new global eSports competition built around national teams, which will debut in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) on November 2.

The competition complements the club-based Esports World Cup by giving players the opportunity to represent their nation, and offering fans a direct way to connect with elite competition. The 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, EWCF will provide $5 million in club incentives for eSports clubs that release and enable their professional players to participate in ENC, with rewards tied to the performance of their players at the event. EWCF will also provide $20 million through the ENC Development Fund, supporting Official National Team Partners with logistics, travel, program operations, national team 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. 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”, said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the EWF. 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.