Gaming
India earns direct invite for MOBA Legends event at Esports Nations Cup 2026
Seven-member squad qualifies through ENC Rankings as India confirms eighth title at Riyadh event
Riyadh: India is heading straight to the main stage, with no qualifiers required. The Esports Foundation has awarded India a direct invitation to compete in MOBA Legends: 5v5! at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 after the country’s players accumulated enough points in the ENC Rankings.
India is among 16 nations to receive a direct berth for the tournament, which will run from November 23 to 29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The competition will feature 32 national teams battling for a prize pool of $1.5 million, or about Rs 14.2 crore.
The ENC Rankings were compiled using players’ performances across international, regional and official competitions, including the recently concluded Mid Season Cup at the Esports World Cup 2026 in Paris.
India secured its invitation after earning 2,600 ranking points.
The seven-member squad includes Gaithanlung Gonmei (Kyle), Susanta Biswas (Kimyy), Abhijeet Katkar (Asuna), Rithik Sohal (Romcom) and Evancius A. Sangma (Vann), with Mohammad Saad (Apex) and Jay Mehta (J) named as reserve players. Steve Vitug (Dale), appointed by NODWIN Gaming as India’s national team coach for ENC 2026, will lead the squad.
The core of the roster recently made history for Indian esports. Kyle, Kimyy and Asuna represented True Rippers at the Mid Season Cup during the Esports World Cup 2026, becoming the first Indian team to compete at the tournament and finishing in the top 16. Earlier this year, the trio also lifted the MOBA Legends Masters Series title, helping India secure valuable ENC Ranking points.
Speaking about the squad, NODWIN Gaming coach Steve Vitug said, “One of the biggest strengths of this roster is the variety of experience each player brings. Every player has something unique to offer, whether it’s leadership, mechanics, or decision-making. Our focus over the coming months is to combine those strengths into a cohesive team with a clear identity and style of play. I am confident we’ll be ready to take on the challenge in Riyadh.”
The remaining 14 places in the tournament will be decided through regional online qualifiers on August 15 and 16. Two additional spots will be allocated through wildcard invitations, including one host region slot and one solidarity slot.
With the latest confirmation, India has now secured participation in eight esports titles at ENC 2026: Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), Chess, EA SPORTS FC, Honor of Kings, MOBA Legends: 5v5!, Rocket League, Trackmania and VALORANT.
India’s representation could grow further. While Charanjot Singh has already qualified directly for EA SPORTS FC through the FC Pro World Rankings, one more Indian player can still book a place through the South Asia regional qualifiers.
With invitations secured across multiple titles and more qualification opportunities still available, India is shaping up for its strongest showing yet at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup in Riyadh.
