The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially confirmed that the Esports Nations Cup 2026 will carry a total prize fund of US$45 million, making it one of the most lucrative nation-based esports tournaments ever held. The championship is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to November 29, 2026.
The funding structure is designed to support every layer of the competitive ecosystem. Approximately US$20 million will be awarded directly to players and coaches competing in 16 different game titles. Meanwhile, esports organizations will receive around US$5 million in performance-based incentives when they allow their athletes to represent their countries.
Another US$20 million will be channeled into the ENC Development Fund, a program created to strengthen national teams through coverage of travel costs, operational expenses, promotional activities, and long-term development programs.
According to EWCF Chief Executive Officer Ralf Reichert, national team competitions introduce a unique emotional element to esports, encouraging stronger fan loyalty and new international rivalries. He emphasized that the prize distribution model is structured to ensure sustainability and fairness for all stakeholders.
Each qualified competitor is guaranteed a minimum of three matches during the tournament. Champions in individual titles will earn US$50,000 per player, runners-up will take home US$30,000, and third-place finishers will receive US$15,000 per player. Team-based titles will follow proportional prize sharing based on squad size.
The Esports Nations Cup is planned as a recurring biennial event, with future editions expected to rotate across major global cities. Several game titles have already been confirmed, including Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Trackmania, and Dota 2, with additional announcements coming soon.
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