The Esports World Cup Foundation has announced that chess will feature in the inaugural Esports Nations Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to 29, 2026. The chess event will involve 128 players representing their nations in a tournament running November 2-8. This inclusion aims to expand chess's presence in the global esports ecosystem, building on its successful debut at the 2025 Esports World Cup.
The Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 marks a significant step for chess in esports, with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) confirming its participation among 16 titles. Scheduled for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to 29, 2026, the overall event commits $45 million to the esports ecosystem, including $20 million in direct prizes to players and coaches across disciplines. First-place winners in each title are guaranteed at least $50,000 per person.
The chess tournament, spanning November 2-8, will feature 128 players competing for their countries or territories, a departure from club-based formats. This structure allows up to two representatives per nation, promoting broader international participation compared to the 20 nations at the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), where Magnus Carlsen of Norway won the $1.5 million event for Team Liquid, defeating Alireza Firouzja in the final with a notable 22.Nb8 move and claiming $250,000.
Qualification pathways include 64 direct invites based on Champions Chess Tour (CCT) rankings as of May 26, 2026, limited to one per nation, with Titled Tuesday Spring Split results as tiebreakers if needed. An additional 56 spots come from regional qualifiers on Chess.com, held June 6-7 and June 13-14 across seven regions—North America, South America, Africa, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East/India/Central Asia, and East Asia/Southeast Asia/Oceania—each awarding eight spots via Swiss and double-elimination stages. Eight wildcard spots round out the field.
The format begins with a group stage of 16 groups of eight players in round-robin play, advancing the top four from each to a 64-player single-elimination bracket. Matches use a 10+0 rapid time control, best-of-two for groups and early playoffs, escalating to best-of-four from quarterfinals, with armageddon tiebreakers.
Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi expressed enthusiasm: “Playing for Gen.G at the Esports World Cup was a great experience... It’s really exciting to see chess becoming part of the esports world.” Sagar Shah of ChessBase India added, “I am very excited that the Esports Nations Cup is happening... there will be a similar level of excitement in the Indian community.” Tania Sachdev noted, “After the incredible success of chess at the Esports World Cup, bringing it into a nation-based format adds a powerful layer.”
This event builds momentum from the EWC, where Carlsen's victory and crowd interactions, including tension with Hikaru Nakamura, highlighted chess's esports potential.