2026 Dota 2 Esports Nations Cup Preview: Which of the Seven Powerhouses Will Reign Supreme?

With Dota 2 officially joining the lineup for the 2026 Esports Nations Cup, the eyes of esports fans worldwide are once again focused.

This tournament is organized by the Esports World Cup Foundation (formerly the organizer of the Riyadh Masters) and features a generous prize pool of up to $1.5 million.

The biggest highlight of this competition lies in its reformed format: it breaks away from the common "multinational team" club model in the professional esports scene, returning to the purest "national team" competition. Players will temporarily set aside their club identities, drape themselves in their national flags, and fight for national honor.

Which countries can assemble the strongest lineup in the face of the upcoming battle in November 2026?

• Russia: Undoubtedly the top favorite to win the championship. Its pool of top players is extremely deep, enough to form two teams capable of contending for the title.

• China: As a traditional powerhouse in Dota 2, despite the upheavals in the region in recent years, its national team's chemistry and tactical prowess remain formidable to the world when it assembles its strongest forces.

• Ukraine: Possesses several world-class core players. Although the total number of top-tier players is not large, their individual combat capabilities are extremely strong, making them a formidable team with a tough style.

• Southeast Asia's two powerhouses: the Philippines and Malaysia. The Philippines possesses an excellent foundation of team chemistry, while Malaysia is considered a potential "dark horse," capable of pulling off an upset against strong opponents.

• Other potential contenders: Peru, representing the rise of South America, and Kazakhstan, representing Eastern Europe, also possess top-tier teams familiar with the competition and have the potential to challenge for the top spots.

  
  

This is a contest of national esports heritage. The Esports Nations Cup will be held in November 2026. Although there is still some time before the start of the competition, the competition among these seven esports powerhouses is destined to ignite the winter of 2026.