The organizers of the Esports Nations Cup (ENC), the Esports Foundation (EF), have revealed new details about the event’s qualification and wildcard systems. The announcement includes details about how chess players can qualify for the event and how wildcard spots will be distributed.
The inaugural ENC will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to 29. Unlike the Esports World Cup, which focuses on esports teams, the ENC will feature players representing their countries and territories across 16 esports titles. The ENC qualification program is expected to involve more than 100,000 players from over 150 countries and territories across all titles throughout 2026.
Chess Qualification Path
In total, 128 players will qualify for the chess event at the ENC. The players can reach Riyadh via three routes: 64 players from the Champions Chess Tour leaderboard (limited to one player per nation), 61 from regional qualifiers, and three wildcards.
An unlimited number of players from each nation can participate in the qualifiers, taking place between June 6 and 14. However, only up to two players per nation in total can advance to the ENC Finals.
The three additional wildcard spots will be filled through two Solidarity Spots, explained below, and one host region slot.
Chess Receives Two Solidarity Slots
Alongside the qualification announcement, the wildcard structure for the ENC was also revealed. According to the organizers, the wildcard system will expand global representation while maintaining competitive standards across the event.
Solidarity Slots are intended to create opportunities for underrepresented countries and territories to participate in the ENC. Countries and territories that have not already qualified in more than one game title can apply for these slots. After the qualifiers conclude, the organizers will then select the nations taking those spots based on competitive strength and regional representation. Nations can apply for the Solidarity Slots from July 20 to August 17.
“ENC is built around the idea that esports talent exists everywhere, and that more players should have the chance to chase the dream of representing their country on the world stage,” said Fabian Scheuermann, Chief Games Officer at EF. “The framework introduced today is about opening that door to more countries and communities, so more players can experience what it means to compete at the highest level of competition.”
According to the organizer’s announcement, participants selected for the wildcard slot will receive full travel and accommodation support. Â