Overview
- The Esports Foundation announced Tuesday that it has moved the inaugural Esports Nations Cup from November 2026 in Riyadh to November 2027 to allow more certainty for national teams, publishers and partners.
- EF said the decision followed an ongoing assessment of regional security risks and that it will work with publishers and National Team Partners to create a revised competition calendar.
- The foundation confirmed all existing ENC Development Fund commitments and ecosystem programs will continue, leaving operational support in place for national teams.
- Many national qualifiers across the 16 planned titles were largely complete before the postponement, but EF has not said whether already qualified players and teams will keep their spots for the rescheduled event.
- The delay follows the Esports World Cup’s earlier move from Riyadh to Paris and raises fresh questions about Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 push and the kingdom’s ability to host large international events while regional tensions persist.