India Assembles Coaching Team for Esports Nations Cup 2026
India's Coaching Line-Up for Esports Nations Cup 2026
The coaching team 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 set to take place in Riyadh from November 2 to 29, 2026.
The Esports Foundation (EF) has confirmed the selection of over 700 Game Coaches from more than 100 nations and territories, highlighting the extensive international scope of the ENC.
Coaching Staff Details
NODWIN Gaming, serving as the National Team Partner (NTP), has appointed coaches for various key esports titles. These coaches will be tasked with scouting players, formulating team strategies, and assembling competitive rosters.
Moin Ejaz (NO_Chanc3) will spearhead India's DOTA 2 efforts, bringing over ten years of competitive experience, including a 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). His experience as an analyst and manager has helped teams like Blind Esports and Team SouL secure major victories, including the BGMI Pro Series 2023.
Abhishek Bajaj (GodspeedxD) will coach VALORANT, with a proven track record of success 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 his previous roles.
Pratik Mehra (Aurum) takes charge of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, known for his leadership with Fnatic, where he achieved significant tournament success.
Ashrit Goyal (notyAshritB) has been appointed for Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege, with a history of strong performances in regional competitions.
Nirjhar Mitra (jocse) will guide the Rocket League team, having previously represented India in various international events.
Lastly, Indonesian coach Gradyano Valendy (Rinnqt) will oversee Honor of Kings, bringing experience from coaching and competing at high levels.
Significance of the Coaching Appointments
"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 expertise, competitive background, and ability to nurture talent in their respective games," stated Nimish Raut, Global Head of Esports: Partnerships & Special Projects at NODWIN Gaming.
Global Competition Framework
The diverse coaching pool reflects the global nature of esports, with coaches drawn from over 90 leading organizations worldwide. This group includes world champions and emerging talents, linking local team development to the highest levels of international competition.
"The Esports Nations Cup is being developed incrementally, and appointing coaches is a crucial component of that process," remarked Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation. "Coaches provide credibility and direction, making esports relatable for fans and players alike."
Upcoming Steps: Player Selection
Focus now shifts to finalizing player selections as teams prepare for the ENC's global qualification process. The deadline for roster submissions is May 10, with announcements expected to begin in mid-May. Competitors for both solo-player and team-based games will be identified through open qualifiers, with further details to be released soon.
Overview of the Esports Nations Cup
The ENC introduces a structured, nation-based competition format to the global esports calendar. By allowing nations to form teams and develop talent pathways, the ENC aims to create new opportunities for players while enhancing connections between local ecosystems and international competition.