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Esports Nations Cup delayed to 2027 as Iran conflict continues

Naomi de SouzaBBC Newsbeat
Esports Foundation A competitor at the Esports World Cup watches a screen intently with their hands clasped behind their head, creating an impression of anticipation or nervousness. They wear a large gaming headset with a microphone and a black and purple team jersey.Esports Foundation
This year's Esports World Cup was held in Paris after a last-minute venue change

The first Esports Nations Cup (ENC), set to be held in Saudi Arabia later this year, has been delayed until 2027.

The competitive video gaming event, which brings together players representing different countries and global territories, was set to take place in Riyadh this November.

But organisers the Esports Foundation announced they had postponed it by 12 months due to the "wider regional situation" in the Middle East, where the USA's war with Iran continues.

The foundation already relocated their Esports World Cup (EWC) event to Paris in July this year due to the ongoing conflict.

The ENC was due to debut in the Saudi capital this year to "introduce national representation" to the global esports calendar.

The tournament is run by the Esports Foundation, which describes itself as a non-profit organisation.

It was created with the support of the Saudi government, and has been a part of the Kingdom's push to become a major player in global gaming - a strategy described by some as "sportswashing".

Critics claim it's an attempt to improve the country's international reputation and distract from complaints about its human rights record and anti-LGBT laws - an accusation the country has spent years denying.

Getty Images Spectators are shown in an arena looking at teams competing during the 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris. Four large screens can be seen showing the action taking place. Getty Images
The 2026 Esports World Cup took place in Paris after a last-minute move from its home of Riyadh

The Esports Foundation insists Saudi Arabia remains "fully capable of hosting events", adding that major sporting and entertainment events are "continuing as planned".

Organisers say the decision to push back the ENC for a year will provide "certainty and stability" for competing teams, partners and fans.

"The decision to postpone the Esports Nations Cup was not taken lightly," said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation.

Reichert explained that he feels the foundation owes partners, publishers and the gaming community an inaugural cup event "delivered under the right conditions and at the level this idea deserves".

"Hosting the tournament in Riyadh next year does not change our commitment," he added.

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