India Assembles Coaching Team for Esports Nations Cup 2026

India has officially announced its coaching lineup for the upcoming Esports Nations Cup 2026, set to take place in Riyadh. With over 700 coaches from more than 100 countries involved, the event promises to be a significant milestone in global esports. Coaches have been appointed for various popular titles, including DOTA 2, BGMI, and VALORANT, each bringing extensive experience and a track record of success. As the nation prepares for this prestigious competition, attention now turns to finalizing player selections, with the roster submission deadline approaching. This initiative aims to strengthen India's presence in the international esports arena.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 25, 2026, 02:08 IST

India's Coaching Team for Esports Nations Cup 2026 Announced

Riyadh [Saudi Arabia], April 24: The coaching staff for India's inaugural participation in the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC) has been officially announced, marking the commencement of player selection for this global esports event scheduled to take place in Riyadh from November 2 to 29, 2026.

The Esports Foundation (EF) has confirmed the selection of over 700 Game Coaches representing National Team Partners (NTPs) from more than 100 countries, highlighting the ENC's international scope. NODWIN Gaming, as India's NTP, has appointed coaches for various key titles, who will be tasked with scouting players, formulating team strategies, and assembling competitive rosters, according to a press release.

Moin Ejaz (NO_Chanc3) will spearhead India's DOTA 2 efforts, bringing over ten years of competitive experience, including a historic bronze medal for India at the Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022 in Birmingham. Rahul (Ayogi) has been designated as the coach for Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), having previously guided teams like Blind Esports and Team SouL to significant victories, including the BGMI Pro Series 2023 and BGMI Masters Series Season 3.

Abhishek Bajaj (GodspeedxD) takes on the role of VALORANT coach, boasting a successful coaching history with teams such as Reckoning Esports and Velocity Esports. Pankaj Upadhyay (KAKA) will lead the League of Legends team, recognized as one of India's top players with multiple international representations.

Steve Vitug (Dale) from the Philippines will coach MOBA Legends: 5v5!, bringing valuable international experience from leading teams to top-six finishes at the World Championship. Pratik Mehra (Aurum) will coach PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, known for his leadership with Fnatic, where he achieved notable successes in various tournaments.

Ashrit Goyal (notyAshritB) has been appointed as the coach for Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, with a track record that includes a second-place finish at the South Asia Nationals 2022. Nirjhar Mitra (jocse) will oversee India's Rocket League efforts, having previously represented the country in significant competitions.

Completing the coaching roster, Indonesian coach Gradyano Valendy (Rinnqt) will lead the Honor of Kings team, bringing experience from coaching Rex Regum Qeon and competing in qualification events for major championships.

“The selection of these coaches is a pivotal step in India's journey towards the Esports Nations Cup 2026. Each coach has been chosen for their extensive game knowledge, competitive background, and talent development skills,” stated Nimish Raut, Global Head of Esports: Partnerships & Special Projects at NODWIN Gaming.

The diverse coaching pool reflects the global esports landscape, comprising over 90 leading esports organizations worldwide, featuring world champions and emerging talents.

“The Esports Nations Cup is being developed incrementally, and appointing team coaches is a vital component of that framework,” remarked Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation. “While teams make esports relatable to a broader audience, coaches lend credibility to players and fans, establishing identity and standards for each team.”

Attention now shifts to finalizing player selections as teams prepare for the ENC's global qualification pathway. The roster submission deadline is set for May 10, with announcements expected to begin mid-May. Competitors for both solo-player and team-based titles will be identified through open qualifiers, with further details to be revealed soon.

The ENC introduces a structured, recurring format for nation-based competition in the global esports calendar, fostering talent development and enhancing connections between local ecosystems and international competition.