Esports Nations Cup 2026: Chess to Feature 128 Players in Riyadh

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has confirmed Chess as the latest addition to the competitive lineup at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), which will be staged in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to 29, 2026. Chess becomes one of 16 titles to feature at the event, marking another major step in the game's rapid evolution as a modern esport.

Chess at ENC 2026 will feature one of the largest competitive fields ever assembled for a top-tier chess esport event, creating space for emerging talents and players from underrepresented nations to compete on a truly global stage.

Schedule and format

The Chess competition will run from November 2 to November 8, culminating in the playoff final. A total of 128 players will begin the tournament in a round-robin

group stage comprising 16 groups of eight players. The top four from each group will progress to a 64-player single-elimination playoff bracket.

Group stage matches and early playoff rounds will be played as best-of-two, with quarterfinals onward shifting to best-of-four encounters. Armageddon games will be used to break ties, with all matches played in a Rapid 10+0 time control format.

Qualification and ranking pathway

Of the 128 competitors, 64 players from 64 nations will earn direct invites based on the official Champions Chess Tour (CCT) rankings, limited to one per country. 56 players will qualify via regional events, while eight wildcard slots will complete the field. The cut-off date for direct invites is May 26, 2026, with the Titled Tuesday Spring Split acting as a tie-breaker if required.

Regional qualifiers, operated by Chess.com, will take place on June 6-7 and June 13-14, covering seven global regions, each offering eight slots. No nation can field more than two players at ENC 2026.

Chess' growing esports footprint

Chess made a major impact at its Esports World Cup debut in 2025, where Magnus Carlsen claimed the inaugural title. Reflecting on that experience, India's top-ranked player Arjun Erigaisi said, "It's really exciting to see chess becoming part of the esports world and reaching so many new people. "

ChessBase India CEO Sagar Shah and grandmaster Tania Sachdev echoed that excitement, highlighting the added intensity of a nation-based format. More details about the Esports Nations Cup are expected in the coming weeks.