New Zealand has received a direct invitation to the Esports Nations Cup 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, becoming one of only 12 nations worldwide to earn automatic entry based on the global ranking. The tournament will bring together 24 countries this November where New Zealand will compete against the best nations in the world for a USD $1.32 million prize pool.
The Esports Nations Cup runs from 2 to 29 November 2026 and is a nation-versus-nation competition in which each country fields its strongest players across several different games. Rainbow Six Siege, the game New Zealand has earned its place in, is a major competitive team-based shooter played professionally in leagues across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. New Zealand will play its matches from 18 to 22 November against some of the strongest nations in the game, among them Brazil and France, two of the most successful countries in Rainbow Six Siege history, along with the United States and Australia.
“A direct invitation proves New Zealand is being counted among the best in the world before we even compete against another country,” said Jonathan Jansen, CEO of NZ Esports. “That recognition is a direct result of our players competing, and succeeding, at professional clubs overseas. It confirms that New Zealand belongs at this level of international competition.”
New Zealand selectors have named the six-man squad for Riyadh. The country’s invitation and world ranking can be attributed in large part to two high-profile Kiwi players who hold places on professional rosters overseas: Taylor Ching, who plays for Weibo Gaming, and Harrison Wise of ENTERPRISE Esports. They are joined in the squad by Tim Faulkner, Jason Mercer and Thomas Heays, with Joshua Scott Camplin named as substitute.
Preparation is already under way. Coach Patrick Gleeson has made clear the squad is travelling to Riyadh to compete, and NZ Esports is assessing potential host countries for an overseas training camp to give the players time to adjust to international conditions before arriving in Saudi Arabia.
“This invitation reflects a deliberate strategy of supporting players who aspire to compete professionally and building the structures that allow them to succeed,” said Conor English, President of NZ Esports. “New Zealand is being recognised for its results rather than its potential, and that is a significant step for the sport in this country.”
