Esports Nations Cup postponed to 2027 amid ongoing Middle East tensions

The first edition of the Esports Nations Cup, planned for Riyadh in November, will not occur until 2027 after the Esports Foundation cited the ongoing USA-Iran war as a destabilising factor in the Middle East. The non-profit body, which receives backing from the Saudi government, also shifted its Esports World Cup to Paris earlier this year for similar reasons. Ralf Reichert, the foundation’s chief executive, said the postponement aims to ensure certainty for participating nations, sponsors and audiences.

While critics argue the Saudi-backed tournament serves as sports-washing, the foundation maintains that Saudi Arabia can still host major events. The delayed launch is intended to deliver the competition under conditions that match its ambitions.