Gaming
Esports Nations Cup 2026 tickets go on sale ahead of Riyadh debut
Nation-based tournament opens bookings as 16 titles join month-long competition
RIYADH: Esports is set to add a patriotic twist to competitive gaming, with tickets officially going on sale for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026, where players will compete for their countries rather than their clubs.
Organised by the Esports Foundation, the month-long event will take place in Riyadh from November 2 to 29 and aims to create a new chapter in global esports by placing national pride at the centre of competition.
Unlike traditional esports tournaments that revolve around professional organisations, the Esports Nations Cup will see competitors represent nations and territories across a diverse line-up of 16 titles, giving fans a chance to rally behind national teams in much the same way as traditional international sporting events.
Ticket sales have opened with weekly passes and premium hospitality options available in the first phase. The Weekly ENC Pass grants access to all tournaments within a competition week, alongside fast-track venue entry and exclusive merchandise. For fans seeking a premium experience, the ENC Embassy Weekly Pass offers access to private viewing lounges, hospitality services and dedicated networking spaces overlooking the live action.
Additional ticket categories, including day passes and tournament-specific tickets, are expected to be released in the coming months.
The tournament schedule has been divided across four competition weeks. Week one will feature Chess, Dota 2, Rocket League and PUBG MOBILE. Week two will host VALORANT, Counter-Strike 2, PUBG: Battlegrounds and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves.
Week three will include EA SPORTS FC 26, Rainbow Six Siege, Street Fighter 6 and Trackmania, while the final week will showcase League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Honor of Kings and Apex Legends.
The event is designed to complement the existing Esports World Cup by introducing a nation-versus-nation format that organisers believe will help countries develop talent pipelines, strengthen local esports ecosystems and create new opportunities for players to compete on the international stage.
With national rivalries set to replace club loyalties, the Esports Nations Cup is positioning itself as esports’ answer to the Olympics, offering fans a new way to experience competitive gaming through flags, fandom and international pride.
