The Esports Foundation (EF) has postponed the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) from November 2026 to November 2027 following an assessment of the wider regional situation and consultations with key stakeholders.

EF said the decision was made to provide certainty and stability for national teams, game publishers, partners and fans involved in the international competition.

The ENC will bring together teams and stakeholders from more than 100 countries and territories. Despite the postponement, Saudi Arabia remains capable of hosting major events, with sporting and entertainment events continuing as planned, according to EF.

The foundation said the move reflects its commitment to staging a world-class international competition that meets the standards and long-term ambition behind the ENC.

The postponement will not affect existing ENC Development Fund commitments to National Team Partners. EF said the fund and related ecosystem development programs will continue, alongside work with publishers, National Team Partners and other stakeholders.

“The decision to postpone the Esports Nations Cup was not taken lightly,” Esports Foundation CEO Ralf Reichert said.

“The response from National Team Partners, publishers, players and communities around the world has shown us how much potential this competition has. We owe them an inaugural ENC delivered under the right conditions and at the level this idea deserves,” he added.

Reichert said holding the tournament in Riyadh in 2027 would not change EF’s commitment to the competition.

The ENC has secured official partner status from more than 100 countries and territories across every continent. The competition is designed to bring together top players across multiple game titles while complementing the existing esports ecosystem.

EF said the ENC aims to create new pathways for athletes, strengthen national esports development and build new forms of fandom through national pride and international competition.

Over the coming weeks, EF will work with National Team Partners, publishers and other stakeholders to clarify the revised competition calendar, qualification pathways and other implications of the new timeline.