New framework and interactive platform connect player performance, roster construction, and qualification across 150+ countries and territories and all 16 games
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (May 21, 2026) – The Esports Foundation (EF) today introduced the ENC Team Rankings and the interactive Team Builder platform ahead of the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, November 02-29, 2026. Together, they establish a clear, performance-based system for how countries and territories qualify and compete, while inviting fans to be a part of the moment by creating and sharing their “dream teams.”
The ENC Team Rankings track player results from major international tournaments and translate them into a global standing for each country and territory. Points earned through competitions are aggregated based on team rosters, and in individual games applied at player level, determining overall rankings.
Today’s projected rankings are based on the highest possible scoring lineups ahead of roster announcements. At the end of May, 2026, all rankings will be updated to reflect only confirmed submitted players and their current points. Rankings continue to evolve and change through results in qualifying competitions until each title’s respective cut-off date, when standings are locked and direct invitations to the ENC 2026 in Riyadh are sent out to the teams from the top-ranked countries and territories.
Launching alongside the projected ENC Rankings, the Team Builder connects ranking data with roster construction, enabling fans to build lineups across different team-based games and instantly assess if their selections would result in direct invitation. Using the projected rankings, it shows how individual performances shape overall team outcomes, making it easy to explore different scenarios and compare lineups across markets. For fans, it opens up the process, enabling them to explore potential lineups and share “dream teams” across the community.
“With the ENC Rankings and Team Builder, we’re putting real structure behind how countries and territories qualify and compete,” said Mike McCabe, Deputy CEO and COO of the Esports Foundation. “Performance drives selection, but we’re also opening that process up, so players understand what it takes to qualify and fans can engage in a much more meaningful way. This is about making the path to representing your nation transparent, competitive and something the whole community can be part of.”
The introduction of the rankings and platform marks the next step in the rollout of the inaugural ENC 2026, following the appointment of coaches across more than 100 countries and territories and the confirmation of a 16-title competitive lineup expected to engage over 100,000 players through global qualifiers.
The ENC Team Builder is now live, with roster announcements following at the end of May, ahead of ranking cut-offs that will determine who gets invited directly for the ENC in Riyadh.
Additional information about the Esports Nations Cup will be released in the coming weeks. To stay up to date, visit esportsnationscup.com, and follow ENC on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and follow the Esports Foundation on LinkedIn.
The Esports Nations Cup (ENC) is a biennial global esports competition created by the Esports Foundation (EF) that brings pride to the world stage. Launching in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2026, the ENC will feature the world’s best players competing not for their clubs, but for their countries and territories, across a lineup of leading esports titles. Built in collaboration with game partners, clubs, and esports organizations, the ENC establishes the first recurring, large-scale platform for national teams in esports. Beyond competition, it aims to fuel fandom, inspire heroes, and provide sustainable pathways for nations, players, and partners to grow within the global esports ecosystem. esportsnationscup.com
The Esports Foundation (EF) is a non-profit organization based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, dedicated to advancing and professionalizing the global esports industry. Through the annual Esports World Cup (EWC) and the biennial Esports Nations Cup (ENC), EF brings together the world’s top players, leading clubs, and millions of fans for the biggest stages in competitive gaming. Beyond hosting tournaments, the Foundation works year-round to grow the esports ecosystem, support talent development, and create lasting opportunities for players, teams, and partners worldwide.
Esports Nations Cup media contact:
[email protected]
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