Dota 2 is Valve’s 5v5 multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) in which two teams compete to destroy the opposing Ancient, a fortified structure at the center of each base. The game features a roster of 128 playable heroes divided into Core and Support roles, with the outcome of each match determined by strategy and execution.
32
Competing Teams
$1,500,000
Prize Pool
Tournament Format
The Dota 2 tournament at the Esports Nations Cup takes place during tournament week 1, running from November 2nd–8th, 2026, and features 32 teams, each composed of five players. Teams are placed into four groups of eight for a round-robin group stage, with all matches played as best-of-one. The top four teams from each group, 16 total, advance to a single-elimination playoff bracket. Playoff series, excluding the grand final, will be best-of-three, while the championship will be decided in a best-of-five grand final.
About
Dota 2 is a five-on-five multiplayer online battle arena where teams select from 128 heroes across Core and Support roles. Each hero brings a distinct set of abilities that defines their impact on the map, as players coordinate to control lanes, secure objectives, and ultimately destroy the opposing Ancient. Experience, gold, and item progression allow teams to scale into powerful late-game threats, where a single fight can decide the outcome.
Dota 2’s competitive landscape has been shaped by countries & territories with deep esports legacies, including Sweden, Denmark, Ukraine, Russia, China, Peru, and others. Each produces players who have claimed victories at the highest level of international play. At the Esports Nations Cup, lineups face off as established powers and emerging challengers collide, creating new rivalries on a global stage where pride, preparation, and execution define success.
Latest News From ENC
2026
Esports Foundation Postpones Inaugural Esports Nations Cup to November 2027
The Esports Foundation (EF) today announced that the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC), originally scheduled to take place in November 2026 in Riyadh, will be postponed to November 2027, following ongoing assessment of the wider regional situation, and after consultation with key stakeholders.
2026
Kameto Joins Esports Nations Cup as Team France Ambassador
Ahead of the Esports Nations Cup 2026, Team France is preparing to take the global stage with the support of a familiar face and its first official national jersey. Kamel "Kameto" Kebir has been named the official ambassador for Team France, bringing his connection with the French esports community to the national team’s journey. Team France’s adidas jersey has also been revealed as the first national design unveiled for ENC 26, representing the identity behind competing under the French flag.
PR
France Unveils First Esports Nations Cup Jersey on the Champs-Élysées
Revealed at the Esports Festival by the Esports World Cup, the jersey designed in collaboration with adidas gives French esports a new symbol to rally behind.
PR
Esports Foundation and adidas Announce Landmark Partnership to Outfit Every Team at the Inaugural Esports Nations Cup
Over 100 countries and territories will wear custom adidas national jerseys at the Esports Nations Cup (ENC), equipping every team competing across 16 of the world’s most popular esports titles. The inaugural four-week event is set to take place starting November 2, 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. National team jerseys will be revealed in the coming weeks. The partnership directly supports the ongoing convergence of esports, culture, entertainment and sports, creating a defining moment for the esports industry and the global sport landscape.