The Esports Foundation (EF) has completed the online regional qualifiers for the League of Legends tournament at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026, with the Philippines among the teams advancing to the main event in Riyadh this November.
The League of Legends tournament will feature 32 national teams competing from November 21 to 29 as part of the month-long Esports Nations Cup, which runs from November 2 to 29.
Regional qualifiers complete
Sixteen countries and territories previously secured direct invitations through the ENC Rankings, which are based on performances in official Riot Games tournaments. Following the conclusion of regional qualifiers, 15 more teams have now completed the field, including Saudi Arabia, which earned the Host Region Wildcard. One remaining Wildcard Solidarity slot, reserved for an underrepresented region, will be announced after all ENC qualifiers conclude at the end of August.
Teams that advanced through the regional qualifiers are:
- Asia: Hong Kong (China), Mongolia
- Eastern Europe: Lithuania, Romania
- Western Europe: Germany, Belgium
- Middle East/Africa: Algeria, Tunisia
- North America: Mexico, Guatemala
- South America: Chile, Peru
- Southeast Asia/Oceania: New Zealand, Philippines
- Host Region Wildcard: Saudi Arabia
The Philippines secures its berth
The Philippine squad earned its place in the main event following a strong run in the Southeast Asia/Oceania regional qualifiers.
After an early loss in the upper bracket, the team fought its way through the lower bracket, winning over Guam, Australia, and Singapore to claim one of the region’s two qualification slots for Riyadh.
Representing the Philippines are:
- Relhia – Top Laner
- Devoured – Jungler
- Cherb – Mid Laner
- Dawn – ADC
- Cresho – Support
Their qualification marks another international appearance for Philippine League of Legends esports as they prepare to face national teams from around the world at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup.
Tournament format
Competition begins with a 24-team Play-In stage featuring teams ranked ninth to 16th among the invited nations, along with all 16 qualifier teams. The Play-In uses a double round-robin group format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the main Group Stage.
Those advancing will join the tournament’s eight highest-ranked invited teams in a single round-robin Group Stage. The top two teams from each group will move on to the Playoffs, which conclude with a best-of-five Grand Final on November 29.
The full roster of qualified players and participating nations is available on the Esports Nations Cup website.