Chess Joins Esports Nations Cup 2026 in Riyadh as 16th Title

• Chess has been announced as the 16th title at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2-29, 2026.
• The Chess tournament will run from November 2-8, 2026, featuring 128 players in a round-robin group stage followed by a single-elimination playoff bracket.
• Competitors will include 64 direct invites based on Champions Chess Tour (CCT) rankings, 56 players from regional qualifiers, and 8 Wildcard slots.
• Regional qualifiers, operated by Chess.com, will take place in June 2026 across seven regions, with each nation allowed up to two representatives.
• Indian chess players Arjun Erigaisi, Sagar Shah, and Tania Sachdev express excitement for chess's inclusion and the national team format.