India Qualifies For VALORANT Main Event At Esports Nations Cup 2026

India has officially qualified for the VALORANT main event at the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to 29, 2026. The national team secured its spot after a decisive 2-0 victory over Hong Kong in the Asia regional qualifier's Lower Bracket Final, marking a significant milestone for the country's competitive gaming scene.

VALORANT is now the third title for which India has qualified at the ENC 2026, joining Chess and Trackmania. In addition to the team qualification, the country has received a direct invite for player Charanjot to compete in the EA Sports FC tournament. This growing representation highlights the increasing depth and talent within the Indian esports ecosystem, which is gaining recognition on the global stage.

The growth of the sector is being accompanied by new regulatory frameworks. The government has introduced requirements for online games offered as esports to be assessed and registered with the Online Gaming Authority of India. Furthermore, any esport must now be recognized under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, before it can be officially registered. These measures aim to formalize the industry, ensuring that players and organizations operate within a structured and recognized legal environment as they prepare for upcoming international tournaments.