The Esports Foundation has appointed NODWIN Gaming as India’s official National Team Partner for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), a new global nation-based esports competition set to debut in Riyadh from November 2–29, 2026.
The appointment recognizes NODWIN Gaming’s longstanding contribution to India’s esports ecosystem, built over more than a decade through national competitions, publisher-led circuits, and deep engagement with players, creators, and partners.
As India’s National Team Partner, NODWIN Gaming will lead team formation, mobilize grassroots and competitive communities, support coaches across multiple game titles, and work with publishers, clubs, and ecosystem stakeholders to create a structured pathway for Indian players to represent the country on the global stage.
Nimish Raut, Global Head of Esports: Partnerships & Special Projects, NODWIN Gaming said, “The Esports Nations Cup represents a defining shift in how competitive gaming is structured globally, and for a country like India, this is a truly transformative opportunity. We have one of the largest and most passionate gaming communities in the world, but until now, there hasn’t been a unified pathway for players to represent the country on a global stage. As the National Team Partner, our focus will be on building that structure from the ground up, identifying and nurturing talent across titles, and creating a high-performance environment that enables Indian players to compete at the highest level. We are excited to work closely with the EF to unlock this next phase of growth for Indian esports and establish a sustainable foundation for the future.”
NODWIN Gaming joins a global network of National Team Partners across more than 100 nations as part of ENC’s partnership-led model for national team development. The Esports Foundation received over 630 applications from 150 countries and territories, highlighting the global interest in nation-based esports.
The Esports Nations Cup introduces a structured framework for national teams, adding a new layer to the esports ecosystem alongside club-based competition. It is designed to complement existing structures while strengthening local stakeholder engagement and long-term national development.
Hans Jagnow, Director, Special Projects, The Esports Foundation said, “India is a country full of passionate esports fans, building up to be a not-so-silent powerhouse of esports on the global stage. NODWIN Gaming has been a key architect of the Indian community and we couldn’t think of anyone better to bring together the ENC National Team for India and spark national pride for the players competing for a place in Riyadh.”
NODWIN Gaming brings significant operational expertise and a strong track record in scaling esports ecosystems in India and international markets. The company has been involved in large-scale tournaments, original IPs, and strategic partnerships across South Asia and Europe. It previously partnered with the Esports World Cup Foundation to manage media rights sales across South Asia and collaborated with Chess.com and ChessBase India to build the future of chess esports in India.
ENC 2026 is backed by a total investment of $45 million (approximately INR 414 crore), including $20 million in prize money for players and coaches across 16 titles, $5 million in club incentives, and $20 million dedicated to national team development. The prize structure offers equal payouts across titles, with first place earning $50,000 per player, second place $30,000, and third place $15,000, with scaled payouts for team-based titles.
The tournament will feature titles including Chess, PUBG Mobile, Rocket League, DOTA 2, VALORANT, Counter-Strike 2, PUBG: Battlegrounds, Fatal Fury, League of Legends, Trackmania, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, EA SPORTS FC 26, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Honor of Kings, and Apex Legends.
The ENC will debut in Riyadh in November 2026 before adopting a rotating city model. The biennial ENC is designed to complement the annual club-based Esports World Cup, providing long-term structure and investment in national team programs.
Further updates about the Esports Nations Cup are expected in the coming weeks.
