In a rapidly transforming digital environment, e-sports is increasingly becoming a intersection between technology, sport, and creative economy. With a community of over 28 million participants and a thriving ecosystem, Vietnam is considered one of the most dynamic markets in the region. This situation is part of the government’s strategy for the development of physical education and sports in Vietnam by 2030, with a vision for 2045, focusing on the development of the sports economy in connection with new sectors with high potential like e-sports.
Participating in the ENC 2026 is not only professionally significant but also a strategic step to more deeply integrate Vietnamese e-sports into the global sports and digital economy ecosystem, thereby strengthening the country’s position.
Internationally, the Esports World Cup Foundation has announced that the Vietnamese Esports Entertainment Association (VIRESA) will be the national partner for the ENC 2026. This decision aims to establish a network of over 100 countries to develop national e-sports teams, reflecting the increasing trend towards representative national competition models in this field.
VIRESA’s selection demonstrates not only its ability to organize, manage, and connect the national e-sports ecosystem but also confirms Vietnam’s increasingly important position on the regional and global e-sports map.
As a national partner, VIRESA will be responsible for creating and managing national e-sports teams in different disciplines, organizing athlete selection, and developing training and competition preparation systems that comply with international standards. Specifically, Ms. Cao Thi Thu Phuong, the general secretary of VIRESA, has been appointed as the national director in Vietnam, overseeing team activities, engaging with stakeholders, and ensuring adherence to ENC competition standards.
According to the organizers, the ENC 2026 received over 630 applications from 150 countries and territories, showcasing the strong attraction of the national team competition model in e-sports. Vietnam participates not only as a country but also as a dynamic market with a large community, diverse ecosystem, and strong experience in organizing numerous regional and international events.
During the ENC 2026, Vietnam is expected to compete in about ten events, leveraging its strengths in games like PUBG Mobile, VALORANT, League of Legends, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Teamfight Tactics, and PUBG. These are competitions where Vietnamese athletes have delivered excellent results, highlighting a pool of promising young talent, laying the foundation for competition with leading nations.
Over the past few years, Vietnamese e-sports has excelled on the international stage, achieving notable successes such as victories in various competitions and medals at Southeast Asian Games. The ENC 2026 is not a starting point but a continuation that elevates the national competition level and extends its global reach.
Hans Jagnow, director of national team relations at the Esports World Cup Foundation, highlighted Vietnam’s rapid e-sports scene growth, benefiting from a large and united community. Cooperation with VIRESA is expected to establish a well-structured national team able to compete internationally.
Moving forward, Vietnamese e-sports will continue to develop professionally, systematically, and sustainably under state management bodies. The focus will be on establishing a national team aligned with international standards, transparent selection based on performance, comprehensive training systems, and close collaboration with clubs and national/international partners.
Efforts will also be made to enhance communication and image-building for the national team, linked to the Vietnamese identity, to strengthen the value and reach of the esport brand.
The Esports World Cup Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, committed to promoting sustainable development in the global e-sports industry. It coordinates and organizes major events like the Esports World Cup and Nations Cup, developing a professional competitive ecosystem and aiming to make e-sports a global sport, supporting athletes, uniting industry stakeholders, and fostering industry growth.
The Esports Nations Cup (ENC) occurs every two years, with the first edition to be held in Riyadh in November 2026 before adopting a global rotation model. This tournament serves as a complementary structure to the international e-sports competition system, where clubs and national teams coexist, providing a strong foundation for athletes and guiding long-term investments. For Vietnam, participating in the ENC 2026 is not only a significant competitive milestone but also a strategic step towards building a national, professional e-sports system integrated on the international stage. This helps achieve the goal of significantly developing Vietnamese sports in the digital era and gradually asserting its position on the global sports scene.
Source: https://cand.com.vn/the-thao/the-thao-dien-tu-viet-nam-tham-du-enc-2026-them-mot-buoc-tien-vuon-tam-the-gioi-i801159/
