Riyadh [Saudi Arabia], June 30 (ANI): India has booked its place within the VALORANT principal occasion on the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 following a resilient marketing campaign within the Asia regional qualifiers. The crew emerged as one in every of solely two sides from the area to qualify for the worldwide nation-based esports competitors, which will probably be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to November 29.
VALORANT at ENC 2026 will happen from November 8 to November 15, that includes 32 groups competing for a prize pool of USD 1.5 million (Rs 14 crore). Sixteen nations and territories obtained direct invites from the Esports Foundation by the ENC Rankings, that are primarily based on performances in official Riot Games competitions. The remaining 14 qualification spots have been determined by regional on-line qualifiers throughout Asia, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, North America, South America, Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia and Oceania.
The Asia regional qualifier featured 9 groups competing in a double-elimination bracket. All matches earlier than the Upper Bracket (UB) Final and Lower Bracket (LB) Final have been performed as best-of-one, whereas each bracket finals have been contested as best-of-three collection.
India’s roster, led by in-game chief (IGL) Sagnik Roy (Hellf), featured Abhirup Choudhury (Lightningfast), Aman Yadav (Hoax), Venkatesh Sharma (Venky), and Daivik Chauhan (Dc), with Norbu Tsering (Karam1L) and Shravana Sahoo (Techno) serving as substitutes. Abhishek Bajaj (GodspeedxD) took cost because the crew’s coach, appointed by NODWIN Gaming, India’s National Team Partner (NTP) for ENC 2026.
India started its marketing campaign with a dominant 13-2 victory over Nepal within the UB quarterfinals earlier than falling 5-13 to eventual qualifier Japan within the UB semifinals. Facing elimination, the crew responded with composure, defeating Pakistan 13-9 within the LB quarterfinals and overcoming Mongolia 13-10 to achieve the LB Final.
With qualification on the road, India delivered its strongest efficiency of the event towards Hong Kong, successful the opening map 13-10 earlier than closing out the collection with a 13-6 victory to safe a 2-0 win and its place at ENC 2026.
The qualification highlighted the depth of expertise throughout the Indian lineup, with Venky rising as one of many standout performers. He recorded a qualifier-leading 117 eliminations throughout India’s six matches, the very best tally by any participant within the Asia regional qualifiers.
More than 100,000 followers tuned in throughout co-streams and official ENC streams of the Asia qualifier finals to observe Japan’s undefeated run and India’s miraculous journey by the decrease bracket.
Speaking in regards to the qualification, Sagnik Roy (Hellf), IGL of India’s VALORANT crew, mentioned, ‘This qualification means quite a bit due to what it represents for India’s VALORANT scene. After the loss towards Japan, we knew we needed to reset shortly and deal with one recreation at a time. Every participant stepped up when it mattered, and our skill to remain composed beneath stress helped us flip issues round. The progress of the sport’s ecosystem over the previous couple of years has created a pool of gamers able to competing on the highest degree, and this crew is a mirrored image of that progress. Every worldwide alternative helps push the ecosystem ahead and conjures up the following technology of opponents. We are excited to compete on the inaugural Esports Nations Cup and need to benefit from this opportunity.’
The first stage of VALORANT at ENC 2026 will start with all 32 certified groups competing in a round-robin group stage, that includes 4 teams of eight groups. The prime 4 groups from every group will advance to a 16-team single-elimination playoff bracket. All group stage matches will probably be best-of-one. All playoff matches (excluding the Grand Final) will probably be best-of-three. The Grand Final will probably be performed in a best-of-five.
Alongside the 16 invited groups and 14 regional qualifiers, the United Arab Emirates secured the Host Region Wildcard as the following highest-placing competitor from the GCC area. To full the line-up, one Solidarity Wildcard slot stays for an underrepresented area to compete on the world stage, which will probably be introduced on the finish of August as soon as all ENC qualifiers have been accomplished.
VALORANT now turns into the third title through which India will compete on the ENC 2026 principal occasion, alongside Chess and Trackmania. Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Mitrabha Guha have already secured their locations within the Chess principal occasion, whereas Trackmania star Kunal Upreti (Spark) has additionally certified for the competitors.
India’s preparations for ENC 2026 proceed throughout a number of titles, with the DOTA 2 roster set to compete within the regional qualifiers from June 30 to July 1, the place two groups will safe qualification. The Rocket League crew will compete from July 17 to July 19, with three groups from Asia progressing to the ENC 2026 Finals. Meanwhile, India’s MOBA Legends: 5v5! crew stays in competition for a direct invitation, with the regional qualifiers scheduled for August 15 to 16 if required. (ANI)