Postponement of the Esports Nations Cup in Riyadh

The inaugural edition of the Esports Nations Cup, originally scheduled for November 2026 in the Saudi capital Riyadh, has been postponed by a full year due to regional circumstances, organizers announced today.

The Esports Foundation, the tournament’s organizer and funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, stated that “postponing the Esports Nations Cup to November 2027 is the responsible decision, given the uncertainty stemming from regional developments, in order to provide the stability and clear vision sought by national teams, publishers, partners, and fans.”

The tournament was originally set to take place between November 2 and 29, and was positioned as the equivalent of the Olympic Games in the world of video gaming, with teams and players from more than 100 countries and regions participating.

Ralph Reichert, Chief Executive Officer of the Esports Foundation, said in a statement, “Hosting the tournament in Riyadh next year does not change our commitment,” adding, “We will continue to invest in our national team partners, collaborate with game publishers, and develop the national ecosystems that have already begun to form around this competition.”

The Esports Nations Cup is distinct from the Esports World Cup, also organized by the Esports Foundation, which features club competitions rather than national teams.