2 min learnAug 18, 2026 05:06 PM IST
The inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) which was initially scheduled to happen in November 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was on Tuesday postponed by one 12 months to November 2027 as a consequence of ongoing evaluation of the broader regional scenario, and after session with key stakeholders, Esports Basis (EF) introduced.
EF believes transferring the inaugural competitors to November 2027 is the accountable determination to supply the knowledge and stability that Nationwide Groups, publishers, companions and followers anticipate. ENC brings collectively groups and stakeholders from greater than 100 nations and territories.
India’s Nihal Sarin had secured direct qualification invite for the ENC again in Could. Sarin was additionally part of the lately concluded Esports World Cup the place he misplaced to Magnus Carlsen within the quarterfinals, ending a marketing campaign that had in any other case seemed promising.
Nihal was handpicked as his quarterfinal opponent by defending champion and face of the occasion, Magnus Carlsen, and it was clear that the Indian needed to punch effectively above his weight to match the Norwegian, who had been battling sickness for the reason that match started.
Carlsen had no actual bother navigating towards Nihal, rapidly getting all the way down to enterprise by successful the primary two of 4 video games to take a commanding 2.0-0.0 lead. Within the must-win third sport, Nihal managed to place slight strain on Carlsen, however the slippery Norwegian saved the sport and sealed his place within the high 4.
“The choice to postpone the Esports Nations Cup was not taken evenly,” stated Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Basis. “The response from Nationwide Crew Companions, publishers, gamers and communities world wide has proven us how a lot potential this competitors has. We owe them an inaugural ENC delivered underneath the suitable circumstances and on the stage this concept deserves. Internet hosting the match in Riyadh subsequent 12 months doesn’t change our dedication. We are going to proceed investing in our Nationwide Crew Companions, working with publishers and constructing the nationwide ecosystems already taking form across the competitors. The work continues, and our ambition for ENC stays unchanged.”