Gaming
Esports Nations Cup 2026 unveils first eight titles
Chess, CS2 and mobile hits headline global, flag-based debut
RIYADH: Riyadh is gearing up for a new kind of esports showdown, one where players will not just represent teams or brands, but entire nations. The Esports World Cup Foundation has revealed the first eight titles for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026, set to run from 2 to 29 November in the Saudi capital.
The event introduces a national team format to the global esports calendar, giving players the chance to compete under their country’s flag while fans rally behind familiar colours rather than corporate logos.
The first wave of games offers a broad spread across genres and platforms. The confirmed titles are Chess, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, EA Sports FC, Fatal Fury, Honor of Kings, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Trackmania. Together, they span classic strategy, tactical shooters, fighting games, sports simulations, mobile arenas and high-speed racing.
Even with just these eight titles, the scale is significant. Thousands of players worldwide will enter qualification routes over the coming months, all chasing a place in Riyadh.
Chess will host 128 players, making it one of the largest international events in the game’s history. Counter-Strike 2 is set for a record-breaking open qualification programme, expected to involve more than 15,000 players across 3,000 teams. Dota 2 will feature 32 national sides battling through rankings, regional qualifiers and wildcard slots.
EA Sports FC will also see 128 competitors qualify through in-game pathways, regional contests and world rankings. The new Fatal Fury title will bring 32 national representatives into a fresh format aimed at spotlighting rising talent in the fighting game scene.
Mobile titles will carry serious weight too. Honor of Kings will feature 24 elite national teams, while Mobile Legends: Bang Bang will host 32 sides competing for a gold medal. Trackmania rounds out the list with a 32-player national field racing in the game’s signature four-way Cup Mode.
Eight more titles are still to be announced, completing the 16-game programme for the debut edition.
With national pride now entering the digital arena, the Esports Nations Cup aims to turn keyboards, controllers and touchscreens into a new kind of flag-bearing sport.
Gaming
Konami concludes successful eFootball India campaign
Campaign featuring Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy and other stars boosts engagement ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026.
MUMBAI: When cricket meets football in the virtual world, even the biggest fans can’t help but score and Konami’s latest eFootball campaign in India has clearly hit the back of the net. Konami Digital Entertainment has successfully wrapped up its India campaign for eFootball, which brought together cricketers Rinku Singh and Varun Chakravarthy, actors Naslen Gafoor and Chandu Salim Kumar, and footballers Sahal Abdul Samad and Shubhasish Bose. The multi-star campaign generated strong excitement across gaming, football, and creator communities through social content, fan participation, and in-game engagement.
Building on the initial launch that featured a limited-time Lionel Messi card, the campaign united fan communities, lifestyle creators, football creators, and competitive eFootball influencers. It significantly expanded the game’s visibility and deepened engagement with fans across the country.
The campaign also saw thousands of entries submitted as part of its social media engagement challenge, reflecting high levels of community enthusiasm and active creator involvement.
Looking ahead, Konami plans to build on this momentum with more eFootball experiences for Indian fans as the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches. With global attention on the tournament set to rise, India will remain a key market for deepening community engagement and bringing fans closer to the action.
In a country that lives and breathes sport, Konami has shown that mixing real-world stars with virtual thrills is a winning formula leaving fans eagerly waiting for the next goal.
