Source: The Esports Foundation

The Esports Foundation (EF) announced the official player rosters and the list of countries directly invited to the main event for the VALORANT category of the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC 2026), the inaugural international esports tournament to be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to 29.

The South Korean national team has built a formidable lineup, anchored by Nongshim RedForce’s Kim 'Francis' Mu-bin, Park 'Ivy' Sung-hyeon, and Lee 'Dambi' Hyeok-gyu, joined by T1’s Yoo 'BuZz' Byung-chul, Byun 'Munchkin' Sang-beom, and Ham 'iZu' Woo-ju.

For the ENC 2026 VALORANT category, 111 rosters representing 111 countries and regions worldwide have been officially confirmed, with 32 teams advancing to the main stage in Riyadh. Of these 32 teams, 16 countries and regions received direct invitations based on a ranking system that aggregates official Riot Games tournament results up to the conclusion of Masters London.

The United States is considered the strongest contender for the title. The team is built around G2 Esports stars 'trent', 'valyn', and 'leaf', who have already lifted multiple trophies in VCT Americas and are now eyeing an international championship. They are joined by 'Ethan', the only two-time world champion in VALORANT; current world champion 'skuba' from NRG; Masters Madrid winner 'zekken' from MIBR; and 'Cryocells', widely regarded as one of the league's top players. With the best talent from one of the world's most competitive regions assembled on one team, the U.S. is a clear favorite.

The Canadian national team boasts an equally impressive lineup. Led by NRG’s world champion 'mada', the roster includes VCT Americas standouts such as FURIA’s 'eeiu' and 'koalanoob', and Sentinels’ 'JonahP'. The excitement is further fueled by the return of former Sentinels stars 'TenZ' and 'Marved', who came out of retirement specifically for this tournament. A potential showdown between the U.S. and Canada is expected to capture the attention of VALORANT fans worldwide.

Brazil has also assembled a powerful roster. 'Sacy', the only player in VALORANT history to win both Masters and Champions titles, reunites with former teammates 'aspas' and 'Less', with FURIA’s 'artzin' and LEVIATÁN’s 'spikeziN' rounding out the squad. Meanwhile, LEVIATÁN’s victory at Masters London significantly boosted Brazil’s ranking points, helping Chile, led by 'kiNgg', secure the final direct invitation to the main stage in 16th place.

The remaining teams competing on the main stage are equally star-studded. China has formed a powerful core with Edward Gaming (EDG) standouts 'ZmjKK', 'CHICHOO', and 'nobody'. Europe is also well-represented by numerous star duos playing for national pride: Finland is led by Team Vitality’s 'Derke' and 'Jamppi', the UK features 'keiko' and EWC 2025 winner 'benjyfishy', and Lithuania is represented by the well-known brothers 'Boo' and 'MiniBoo'. Teams from Singapore, Turkey, Poland, and the Philippines also feature talented players with championship experience, promising fierce competition.

With the 16 direct qualifiers now determined following the conclusion of Masters London, global attention shifts to the online regional qualifiers taking place from June 26 to 28. The top two teams from the North America, South America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia, and Southeast Asia/Oceania qualifiers, along with the winners of the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) and Sub-Saharan Africa qualifiers, will join the main stage. The final two remaining spots will be filled via wildcard slots.

The list of the 16 nations that have qualified directly for the ENC 2026 VALORANT main stage and their official rosters are as follows.

USA: trent, valyn, leaf, zekken, skuba, Ethan, Cryocells

South Korea: iZu, BuZz, Francis, Munchkin, Ivy, Dambi

China: ZmjKK, CHICHOO, nobody, Knight, slowly, K1Ra, Lysoar

Canada: TenZ, mada, eeiu, Marved, JonahP, koalanoob, Zander

Turkey: Alfajer, Ruxic, Lar0k, RieNs, xeus, Wo0t, s0pp

Brazil: aspas, artzin, spikeziN, Less, Sacy, Sato, lukxo

Singapore: Deryeon, Jinggg, nephh, STYRON, wayne, Vera, JayH

Poland: kayak, kamo, starxo, PROFEK, westside, paTiTek, UNFAKE

Philippines: Zeus, kellyS, xavi8k, invy, PatMen, Markyyy, Wild0reoo

UK: Lime, Severe, benjyfishy, keiko, Ticey, YaBoiLewis

Taiwan: Nicc, SpiritZ1, WsLeo, Spring, S1Mon, Yuicaw

Malaysia: d4V41, theDoctorr, xan, Riza, Fixy, toggle, aplycs

Finland: Jamppi, Derke, iluri, Famsii, H1ber, hoody, Snowi

Lithuania: Boo, MiniBoo, Koshmaras, Kajuks, Destrian, roxie, vakk

Thailand: killua, Primmie, JitboyS, PTC, Apinya, Kadoom

Chile: kiNgg, erde, Mazino, keznit, Tunaso, Shyy, david