Esports Nations Cup Delayed Amid Ongoing Regional Safety Concerns
The Esports Nations Cup, scheduled to take place in Riyadh in November 2026, has been postponed to November 2027 due to ongoing regional safety concerns. The decision was made by the Esports Foundation on August 18, citing 'continued assessment of safety and logistical considerations.'
The event, which carries a $20 million prize pool, had already seen qualifiers completed for most of its 16 planned titles. Teams from North America, Europe, MENA, and Asia had battled through regional events and ranking systems to secure their spots.
Despite the postponement, the Esports Foundation did not cancel the event or strip Riyadh of hosting rights permanently. Instead, it appears to be a bet that the geopolitical situation will improve within 12 months.
The qualification structure for the ENC drew from multiple pathways, including rankings, regional competitions, and wildcard entries across four major territories.