VALORANT at Esports Nations Cup 2026 brings together 32 national teams, including powerhouses like the United States, South Korea, China and Brazil. Featuring superstar lineups, returning legends and rising challengers, the inaugural tournament promises dream matchups that have never been possible in club competition.
The United States enters ENC 26 with one of the most stacked rosters ever assembled in VALORANT. Fresh off an Esports World Cup title, Mathew "Cryocells" Panganiban joins a lineup packed with VCT stars as the nation looks to claim the first-ever ENC championship.
Sixteen nations earned direct invitations through the ENC Rankings, while 14 secured their places through regional qualifiers. They will be joined by the United Arab Emirates as the host nation and one final Solidarity Wildcard representative, completing a 32-team field ready to compete for international glory.
The United States arrives as one of the tournament favorites with a roster packed with championship experience. Alongside the G2 Esports trio of Trent "trent" Cairns, Jacob "valyn" Batio and Nathan "leaf" Orf, the lineup also features Cryocells, fresh off winning the Esports World Cup with 100 Thieves, Zachary "zekken" Patrone and Logan "skuba" Jenkins, giving the nation elite talent across every role.
South Korea brings a roster equally capable of lifting the trophy. Masters Santiago champions Kim "Francis" Mu-bin, Park "Ivy" Sung-hyun and Lee "Dambi" Hyuk-kyu form the backbone of the squad, joined by T1 stars Yu "BuZz" Byung-chul and Ham "iZu" Woo-joo, alongside veteran leader Byeon "Munchkin" Sang-beom.
China also enters among the favorites after consistently producing deep international runs in recent years, while Brazil, Türkiye and Singapore have the talent to challenge for the inaugural championship.
Canada may not enter as the outright favorite, but few teams have generated more excitement. The return of retired legends Tyson "TenZ" Ngo and Jimmy "Marved" Nguyen reunites two of VALORANT's most recognizable names, while Adam "mada" Pampuch, Daniel "eeiu" Vucenovic, and GianFranco "koalanoob" Potestio provide the firepower to compete with anyone in the field.
Japan and France also arrive with experienced players capable of making deep runs, while qualifier nations such as Vietnam and India will look to carry their momentum onto the international stage. With national teams assembled specifically for ENC 26, every roster presents a unique challenge.
For years, VALORANT's biggest rivalries have been defined by club competition. ENC 26 creates an entirely new dynamic, bringing together players who have spent their careers competing as teammates or opponents under professional organizations before representing their nations instead.
Matchups between North America, East Asia, Europe and Southeast Asia now carry the added weight of national pride. One example comes from NRG, where teammates Georgio "keiko" Sanassy, Logan "skuba" Jenkins and Adam "mada" Pampuch will put their club chemistry aside to represent Great Britain, the United States and Canada, respectively.
VALORANT at Esports Nations Cup 2026 runs from November 8-15, with 32 national teams competing through a Group Stage and Playoffs for a share of the $1,500,000 prize pool. Follow the action as one nation looks to become the first-ever ENC VALORANT champion.
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.