In a historic move for global esports, Israel is set to send an official national team to compete in a major tournament in Saudi Arabia for the first time.
The participation is expected to take place at the Esports Nations Cup 2026, a newly introduced international competition that brings together national teams from around the world to compete across multiple game titles. The event will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to November 29, 2026.
The tournament will feature a wide range of popular esports titles, including Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, VALORANT, and League of Legends, with players representing their countries rather than individual organizations.
Israel’s inclusion marks a significant moment not just for esports but also for regional relations, as it reflects the growing global and diplomatic reach of competitive gaming. The Esports Nations Cup is designed to emphasize national pride and international representation, potentially reshaping how esports competitions are structured in the future.
With over 100,000 players expected to compete in qualifiers across more than 100 countries, the event is set to become one of the largest nation-based esports competitions ever held.
As esports continues to expand worldwide, moments like this highlight how the industry is increasingly crossing cultural and geopolitical boundaries, bringing players together on a global stage.
