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Esports Nations Cup 2026 Welcomes Chess to the Global Stage
The Esports World Cup Foundation has confirmed that Chess will be one of 16 titles featured at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to 29, 2026. With 128 competitors representing nations from across the globe, ENC 2026 will stage one of the largest chess tournaments ever seen in esports.
Tournament Schedule & Competitive Format
The Chess competition at ENC 2026 will run from November 2 through November 8, culminating in a high-stakes playoff final.
Group Stage Structure
* 128 players divided into 16 groups of eight
* Round-robin format within each group
* Top four players from each group advance
* All group matches played in best-of-two format
* Time control: Rapid 10+0
* Tie-breaks resolved via Armageddon games
This opening phase ensures depth, consistency, and opportunity for emerging talents to shine.
Playoff Stage Format
* 64 qualified players enter a single-elimination bracket
* Round of 64 & 32: best-of-two
* Quarterfinals onward: best-of-four
* Armageddon tie-breaks remain in place
The format balances endurance with explosive knockout drama, maintaining intensity throughout.
Qualification & Ranking System Explained
ENC 2026’s chess competition will feature 128 national representatives: 64 direct invitations based on official Champions Chess Tour (CCT) rankings, 56 players qualifying through regional tournaments, and 8 wildcard entries.
Direct Invitations
Invites are determined by CCT rankings, limited to one player per nation. If fewer than 64 unique nations appear in the rankings, Titled Tuesday Spring Split results will serve as a secondary qualifier metric. The ranking cut-off date is May 26, 2026.
Regional Qualifiers
Two online qualifiers per region will be held on:
1) June 6–7, 2026
2) June 13–14, 2026
Each qualifier includes a Swiss stage and a double-elimination bracket. Four players per qualifier advance, resulting in eight representatives per region.
Qualifiers will be operated by Chess.com across the following regions:
* North America (8)
* South America (8)
* Africa (8)
* Western Europe (8)
* Eastern Europe (8)
* Middle East + India + Central Asia (8)
* East Asia + Southeast Asia + Oceania (8)
Nations may have up to two representatives in total. If one player receives a direct invite, only one additional spot may be earned through regional qualification.
Chess at the Esports World Cup: A Proven Success
Chess made its Esports World Cup debut in 2025, captivating audiences with an electrifying fusion of tradition and modern esports production.
The event showcased 20 nations across the main tournament and Last Chance Qualifier in Riyadh. In a headline moment, Magnus Carlsen claimed the inaugural title, representing Team Liquid and reinforcing chess’s seamless fit within competitive gaming.
Players and industry voices praised the event’s atmosphere and global reach, highlighting how the esports format introduces chess to new audiences while preserving competitive integrity.
ENC 2026 now raises the stakes further - shifting from individual representation to national pride and bringing an additional emotional dimension to competitive chess. Grandmaster Tania Sachdev described the nation-based format as adding “pride, pressure, and passion” - a combination that deepens fan engagement and elevates competitive stakes.
A New Era for National Chess Competition
ENC 2026 positions chess not merely as a guest within esports, but as a permanent and thriving pillar of the ecosystem - marking a strategic evolution in competitive gaming. With a global qualification pathway, a balanced and dynamic format, and national pride at stake, ENC 2026 is poised to redefine how chess is experienced in the digital era.
From historic grandmasters to rising talents, the board is set. And this time, the world is watching.
