NODWIN Gaming, India’s designated National Team Partner, has announced the appointment of coaches for the country’s teams across nine esports titles, initiating the player selection process for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026. The global nation-based competition is scheduled to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2-29, 2026.
This development follows the Esports Foundation (EF)’s confirmation of over 700 Game Coaches representing National Team Partners from more than 100 nations and territories globally. As India’s National Team Partner, NODWIN Gaming is tasked with overseeing team formation, fostering participation, and establishing pathways for Indian players to compete internationally.
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Key Coaching Appointments for India
NODWIN Gaming has confirmed the following coaching lineup for India’s participation:
DOTA 2: Moin Ejaz (NO_Chanc3), a veteran with over a decade of competitive experience, notably leading India to a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022.
Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI): Rahul (Ayogi), recognized for guiding teams like Blind Esports and Team SouL to multiple titles, including BGMI Pro Series 2023 and BGIS 2026.
VALORANT: Abhishek Bajaj (GodspeedxD), whose coaching tenure includes championship wins with Reckoning Esports, Bleed Esports, Grayfox Esports, and Velocity Esports.
League of Legends: Pankaj Upadhyay (KAKA), an experienced player who has represented India on the international stage multiple times.
MOBA Legends: 5v5!: Steve Vitug (Dale) from the Philippines, bringing international experience with top-six finishes at World Championships for Omega Esports and Falcon Esports.
PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS: Pratik Mehra (Aurum), known for his time with Fnatic, where he led the team to victory at PUBG Mobile All Stars India 2019.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege: Ashrit Goyal (notyAshritB), who achieved a second-place finish at South Asia Nationals 2022.
Rocket League: Nirjhar Mitra (jocse), a former Indian representative at the Asian Nations Cup qualifiers and winner of the Esportz Premier Series 2022.
Honor of Kings: Gradyano Valendy (Rinnqt) from Indonesia, with international coaching experience for Rex Regum Qeon and participation in Esports World Cup 2024 qualification pathways.
These coaches are now responsible for player identification, defining team strategies, and constructing competitive rosters for the upcoming global event.
Nimish Raut, Global Head of Esports: Partnerships & Special Projects at NODWIN Gaming, stated, “The appointment of coaches represents a critical step in India’s preparation for the Esports Nations Cup 2026. We are confident that this coaching group will establish a strong foundation for India’s campaign on the global stage.”
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation (https://www.esportsnationscup.com/), commented on the broader impact of the coaching appointments: “The Esports Nations Cup is being developed methodically, and establishing team coaches is a crucial component of that structure. Coaches provide identity, direction, and standards for each team. With over 700 coaches now in place across more than 100 National Team Partners, we are transforming the concept of nation-based competition into a tangible system ready for global performance.”
Upcoming Stages
The focus now shifts to finalizing player selections, with roster submissions due by May 10. Announcements of selected players are expected to commence mid-May. Additionally, competitors for solo-player games and remaining team-based titles will be identified through open qualifiers, with further details to be released in the coming weeks.
The Esports Nations Cup aims to integrate nation-based competition into the global esports calendar through a structured and recurring format, providing new opportunities for players and strengthening the connection between local ecosystems and international competitive play. For more updates on Indian esports and global tournaments, visit TechnoSports (https://technosports.co.in/).
