In a rapidly changing digital landscape, e-sports is increasingly emerging as a crossroads between technology, sports, and the 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 aligns with the Government’s Strategy for the Development of Physical Education and Sport in Vietnam by 2030, with a vision for 2045, focusing on developing the sports economy in connection with new high potential sectors such as e-sports.
Participating in the ENC 2026 not only holds professional significance, but also represents a strategic step towards integrating Vietnamese e-sports more deeply into the global sports and digital economy ecosystem, thereby strengthening the country’s position.
Internationally, the Esports World Cup Foundation announced that the Vietnamese Esports Entertainment Association (VIRESA) would be the national partner for ENC 2026 in Vietnam. This decision is part of a strategy to build a network of over 100 countries to develop national e-sports teams, reflecting the growing trend towards nationally representative competition models in this field.
VIRESA’s selection demonstrates not only its capability to organize, manage, and connect the national e-sports ecosystem but also confirms Vietnam’s increasingly important position on the regional and international e-sports map.
As a national partner, VIRESA will be responsible for creating and managing national e-sports teams in different disciplines, organizing athlete selections, and developing training and competition preparation systems that meet international standards. Specifically, Ms. Cao Thi Thu Phuong, Secretary-General of VIRESA, has been appointed as the National Director in Vietnam.
According to the organizers, the ENC 2026 received over 630 applications from 150 countries and territories, signaling the strong appeal of the national team competition model in e-sports. In this context, Vietnam not only participates as a country but also as a dynamic market with a large community, diverse ecosystem, and solid 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, where Vietnamese athletes have achieved excellent results.
In recent years, Vietnamese e-sports has made a mark on the international stage. Notable successes include winning the PUBG Mobile Super League – Southeast Asia Autumn 2025, PUBG Nations Cup 2025, and multiple gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games. The Vietnamese team also performed well at the 2022 Asian Games, confirming its competitiveness at the continental level.
Apart from the national team participation, many Vietnamese e-sports players are part of professional clubs regionally and globally, facing high-level opponents. This has gradually put Vietnamese e-sports talent on the international scene.
ENC 2026 is not a starting point but a continuation that elevates the level of national competition and expands its reach globally.
Regarding Vietnam’s potential, Hans Jagnow, Director of National Team Relations at the Esports World Cup Foundation, highlighted the nation’s rapid-growing e-sports scene, benefitting from a large and cohesive community. He hopes that collaboration with VIRESA will help establish a well-structured national team capable of international competition.
Over the coming months, under state management bodies, Vietnamese e-sports will continue to develop professionally, systematically, and sustainably. Emphasis will be placed on establishing a national team that adheres to international standards, with a transparent selection process based on performance, a comprehensive training system, and close collaboration between clubs and national and international partners.
At the same time, communication and image building efforts for the national team, linked to Vietnamese identity, will be intensified to strengthen the value and reach of the esport brand.
Context: The article discusses the growth and development of e-sports in Vietnam, highlighting the country’s participation in the upcoming Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 and the strategic implications for Vietnamese e-sports on the global stage. Fact Check: The source link at the end of the article provides additional information about Vietnamese e-sports participation in ENC 2026.
