In a shock announcement made on the morning of August 18 in Europe, the Esports Basis, which oversees the
Esports Nations Cup, introduced that its inaugural version can be postponed from November 2026 to November 2027. In a press release launched alongside the announcement, the Saudi organizing committee mentioned the choice got here “
following ongoing evaluation of the broader regional scenario, and after session with key stakeholders.”
The inaugural version was initially scheduled to happen from November 2 to 29, that includes 16 video games together with
League of Legends, VALORANT, Rocket League and Counter-Strike, with round 100 nations anticipated to take part total.
What’s subsequent for the ENC?
Introduced in August 2025, the ENC was set to turn out to be the little sister of the Esports World Cup, constructed round competitions that includes nationwide groups as an alternative of the normal club-based competitions seen on the EWC. For the reason that starting of the 12 months, the group had, subsequently, been engaged on establishing nationwide group administration constructions by the Nationwide Crew Supervisor and Nationwide Crew Companion methods.
Since late Might,
qualifiers have taken place throughout the globe, concluding on August 16 with Cellular Legends: Bang Bang, which means that every one certified nations and groups have been already recognized. Since Might, all rosters throughout each recreation and nation had additionally been locked, leaving quite a few questions unanswered for 2027. The Basis additionally addressed this level, stating: “
Over the approaching weeks, EF will proceed working carefully with Nationwide Crew Companions, publishers and different stakeholders to supply readability on the revised competitors calendar, qualification pathways and different implications of the brand new timeline.”
“was not taken frivolously”
Alongside the announcement, Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Basis, additionally commented on the change, saying that “the choice to postpone the Esports Nations Cup was not taken frivolously.” In line with Reichert, “the response from Nationwide Crew Companions, publishers, gamers, and communities all over the world has proven us how a lot potential this competitors has.”
Reichert continued by stating: “We owe them an inaugural ENC delivered beneath the suitable situations and on the degree this concept deserves.” The top of his message was supposed to be reassuring, stating that the postponement wouldn’t change the commitments made by the Basis to its current companions, publishers and different stakeholders concerned within the inaugural version.
