Charanjot Singh, India’s top-ranked EA SPORTS FC player, has secured a direct invitation to the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026. The 23-year-old will represent India in the EA SPORTS FC tournament, scheduled to take place in Riyadh from November 17 to 22, 2026.
The direct invite was extended by the Esports Foundation (EF), recognizing Singh as the highest-ranked eligible player from India in the FC Pro World Rankings. This selection positions him among an elite group of athletes participating in the inaugural global nation-based esports competition.
Esports : Tournament Structure and Prize Pool
The EA SPORTS FC tournament at ENC 2026 will feature a substantial prize pool of USD 600,000, equivalent to approximately INR 5.7 crore. A total of 128 players are expected to compete. The EF allocated 64 direct invitations based on the official FC Pro World Rankings, ensuring one slot for the highest-ranked eligible player from each country or territory.
The remaining 56 places will be determined through regional online qualifiers, which are slated to run from July 29 to August 9. An additional eight slots will be filled via wildcard invitations. The broader Esports Nations Cup 2026 event will run from November 2 to 29 in Riyadh.
Charanjot Singh’s Esports Career
Charanjot Singh is widely recognized as a prominent EA SPORTS FC competitor in South Asia. His career includes representing India at major international events such as the Hangzhou Asian Games, the FIFAe Nations Cup, and the FC Pro World Championship. On the domestic circuit, Singh has achieved multiple significant titles, including the eISL Season 3 championship, solidifying his standing as a leading player in the country. His consistent performance over the past season culminated in his position as the highest-ranked Indian player in the FC Pro World Rankings, which led to his direct qualification for ENC 2026.
Commenting on his qualification, Singh stated, “I have had the opportunity to compete on some incredible stages over the years, and every tournament has taught me something new while helping me grow as a player. The Esports Nations Cup is the next big challenge in that journey, bringing together the best players from across the world on one of the biggest stages in esports. Now the focus is on making the most of this opportunity and delivering the level of performance I know I’m capable of.”
Qualification Pathways and Indian Representation
Online qualifiers for EA SPORTS FC will be conducted through the in-game FC Pro Live Events mode and the Battlefy tournament platform. These regional qualifiers are structured in two phases, open to all eligible players without a country-specific participant limit. Phase 1 involves a ladder-based format from July 29 to August 2, followed by a Playoff Stage hosted on Battlefy for top players.
A maximum of two players from any given country or territory may qualify for ENC 2026. With Charanjot Singh securing one of India’s two available spots, one additional Indian player still has the opportunity to qualify through the South Asia regional qualifier, which will advance a total of four players to the main event.
India has now secured representation in seven titles at ENC 2026. These include Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and Honor of Kings, where the nation received special invites. In Chess, Grandmaster Nihal Sarin qualified directly, while Mitrabha Guha earned his spot through regional qualifiers. India’s Rocket League team, VALORANT team, and Trackmania star Kunal Upreti (Spark) also secured their places through regional qualifiers.
NODWIN Gaming, India’s National Team Partner (NTP) for ENC 2026, confirmed that India’s MOBA Legends: 5v5! roster remains in contention for a direct invitation. Should it be required, the team is prepared to compete in regional qualifiers scheduled for August 15-16.
For the latest esports news and tournament updates, readers can find more information on our platform.
