Esports Nations Cup Confirms $45 Million Commitment for inaugural edition

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially announced its commitment of a total of $45 million for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to November 29.

Esports Nations Cup will have $45 million split into three fundings

According to a release, the competition will have the commitment split into three parts: player and coach prize pools, club incentives, and a fund for national team development. In particular, the Esports Nations Cup prize pool will amount to $20 million for its 16 game titles.

A total of $5 million will be given as club incentives for esports clubs that release and enable their professional players to take part in the ENC, with rewards tied to the performance of the players at the event. The remaining $20 million, instead, will be distributed through the ENC Development Fund, which supports Official National Team Partners on logistics, travel, program operations, national team marketing, and other expenses related ot the competition and growth of the national teams.

“National teams bring a powerful new layer to esports, one that is accessible, intuitive, and rooted in identity and pride,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “Clubs are the cultural backbone of esports. Nation-based competition expands the stage, creates new rivalries, and gives more fans a reason to care from day one. Our prize model is designed to keep competition fair and sustainable, rewarding performance while supporting the long-term development of players, Clubs, and national programs.”

Esports Nations Cup Prize Pool Framework Explained

Every qualified participant will earn a share of the prize pool, with equal payments for players ending in the same finishing position across all titles. First-place finishers will earn $50,000 per player, whether competing in a solo title or as a part of a team. Runner-ups will win $30,000 per player, while third-place finishers will win $15,000 per player. Coaches will also be awarded based on the player’s placement.

The competition has already announced Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Trackmania, and Dota 2 as participating game titles, with more expected to be announced in the near future.