VIRESA has been selected as the Vietnamese partner for the Esports Nations Cup 2026.

The Esports Foundation officially announced the Vietnam Entertainment Esports Association ( VIRESA ) as the National Partner in Vietnam for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 .

The Esports Nations Cup 2026 ( ENC 2026 ) is a global esports tournament based on a national team model, organized by the Esports Foundation (formerly known as the Esports World Cup Foundation).

The first tournament is scheduled to take place in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) from November 2nd to 29th, 2026.

This tournament was created to supplement the national team competition model, alongside the existing club competition system such as the Esports World Cup .

What is the significance of VIRESA's role as a National Partner in Vietnam?

For the Vietnam eSports and Entertainment Association ( VIRESA ), becoming a National Partner of ENC 2026 marks a new step forward in developing the national eSports team system.

In its new role, VIRESA will:

• Establishing national teams in multiple eSports disciplines.
• Supervise the player selection process.
• Establish a long-term training and development system.
• Collaborating with international organizations and publishers.

Ms. Cao Thi Thu Phuong, General Secretary of VIRESA , has been appointed as Country Director in Vietnam, responsible for the operation and coordination of all related activities.

What advantages does Vietnam have at ENC 2026?

Vietnam is currently one of the fastest-growing eSports markets in the region. According to published data, Vietnam has approximately:

• 28.2 million people participate in eSports.
• They make up 28.7% of the population.
• A large community of players and viewers.

Some notable recent achievements include:

• Win the PUBG Nations Cup 2025
• Runner-up in Teamfight Tactics at the 2025 Esports World Cup
• Top 4 at ASIAD 2022 ( League of Legends )
• Many SEA Games gold medals

These results lay the foundation for Vietnam to compete at ENC 2026 .

How is the Esports Nations Cup different from the Esports World Cup?

The Esports Nations Cup focuses on national teams, while the Esports World Cup focuses on clubs. These two systems will complement each other:

• ENC: held every two years
• EWC: an annual event
• ENC: National Team Model
• EWC: Club Model

The ENC is expected to rotate its organization across multiple cities after its inaugural event in Riyadh.

Why is this important for Vietnamese eSports?

VIRESA becoming a National Partner helps Vietnam:

• There is an official national team system.
• Increase opportunities to compete internationally.
• Attracting long-term investment
• Enhancing the status of Vietnamese eSports

Additionally, the Esports Foundation stated that it has received over 630 applications from 150 countries and territories, demonstrating the global scale of ENC .