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The first Esports Nations Cup (ENC), set to be held in Saudi Arabia later this year, has been delayed until 2027.<\/b><\/p>\n
The competitive video gaming event, which brings together players representing different countries and global territories, was set to take place in Riyadh this November.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The foundation already relocated their Esports World Cup (EWC) event<\/a> to Paris in July this year due to the ongoing conflict.<\/p>\n The ENC was due to debut in the Saudi capital this year to “introduce national representation” to the global esports calendar. <\/p>\n The tournament is run by the Esports Foundation, which describes itself as a non-profit organisation. <\/p>\n 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> – a strategy described by some as “sportswashing”.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n