Chess Joins the Lineup for Inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026 in Riyadh
Riyadh to Host Inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026 Featuring Chess
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – February 8, 2023 – The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially announced that chess will be one of the 16 titles featured in the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), set to take place in Riyadh from November 2 to 29, 2026. This groundbreaking event aims to elevate chess into the esports arena, providing a platform for emerging talents and underrepresented nations to showcase their skills on a global stage.
The ENC 2026 promises to be a historic gathering, with chess enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the tournament’s format and schedule. The competition will kick off on November 2, culminating in a playoff final on November 8. A total of 128 players will compete in a round-robin group stage, divided into 16 groups of eight. The top four players from each group will advance to a single-elimination playoff bracket, with matches played in a Rapid 10+0 time control format.
The tournament will feature a unique ranking system, with 64 players receiving direct invitations based on the official Champions Chess Tour (CCT) rankings. An additional 56 players will qualify through regional qualifiers, while eight spots will be reserved for Wildcard entries. The regional qualifiers will take place in June 2026 across various regions, including North America, South America, Africa, and Europe, among others.
Chess made a significant impact at its debut in the Esports World Cup 2025, where it captivated audiences with thrilling matches and intense competition. The event saw 20 nations represented, with Norway’s Magnus Carlsen emerging as the inaugural champion, playing for Team Liquid.
Indian chess star Arjun Erigaisi expressed his excitement about the upcoming ENC, stating, “Playing for Gen.G at the Esports World Cup was a great experience. The energy was amazing, and it’s thrilling to see chess becoming part of the esports world.”
Sagar Shah, co-founder and CEO of ChessBase India, echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the excitement within the Indian chess community. “I am sure there will be a similar level of excitement for the Esports Nations Cup, as fans will be rooting for our top players,” he said.
International Master Tania Sachdev added, “Bringing chess into a nation-based format adds a powerful layer. Playing for your flag brings pride, pressure, and passion, making fans invest deeply in the competition.”
As the countdown to the Esports Nations Cup 2026 begins, the chess community and esports fans alike are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable event, blending tradition with modern competition in the heart of Saudi Arabia.