Esports Nations Cup 2026 Adds Chess to Tournament Lineup

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has announced Chess as the latest addition to the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026, bringing 128 players from around the globe to compete in one of the largest international chess competitions ever held. The tournament runs from November 2-29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Chess at Esports Nations Cup 2026: Quick Facts

How Players Qualify

The 128-player field comprises three pathways: 64 players receive direct invites based on Champions Chess Tour (CCT) rankings (one per nation), 56 slots are available through regional qualifiers across seven regions, and 8 wildcard positions complete the roster.

Regional qualifiers take place June 6-7 and June 13-14, operated by Chess.com, covering North America, South America, Africa, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East/India/Central Asia, and East Asia/Southeast Asia/Oceania—with 8 spots per region.

Tournament Structure

The competition kicks off with a round-robin group stage featuring 16 groups of eight players. The top four from each group advance to a 64-player single-elimination bracket. Armageddon games serve as tiebreakers when needed, ensuring decisive outcomes.

Chess Meets Esports

Following its successful debut at the Esports World Cup 2025, where Magnus Carlsen claimed victory for Team Liquid, chess solidified its position in the digital esports arena. India’s top-ranked player Arjun Erigaisi praised the EWC experience, highlighting the unique energy that sets it apart from traditional chess tournaments.

Grandmaster Tania Sachdev emphasized that the nation-based format adds emotional depth: “Playing for your flag brings pride, pressure, and passion—that’s what makes fans invest so deeply.”

The ENC represents a significant shift, allowing players to compete for national glory rather than club affiliation, creating a sustainable platform for the world’s oldest game in the modern esports ecosystem.

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