Esports Nations Cup 2026: inaugural edition in Riyadh postponed until 2027 due to regional uncertainty

The inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC), originally scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2 to 29 November 2026, has been postponed until November 2027 because of "uncertainty created by the wider regional situation" linked to the war in the Middle East, the Esports Foundation, the competition organiser, announced on 18 August 2026.

The event, which will feature national teams competing across several video game titles, remains scheduled to take place in the Saudi capital. The decision followed an "ongoing assessment of the wider regional situation" and consultations with national teams, publishers and partners, according to the non-profit organisation founded by the Saudi government.

The format announced for the inaugural edition includes 16 tournaments staged over four…