World Champions, Superstars, and Legends Coming Out of Retirement Highlight 110 Confirmed Rosters for VALORANT, With Direct Invites Sent to 16 Elite Teams
The Esports Foundation (EF) has officially unveiled the confirmed national rosters and direct invite recipients for the VALORANT tournament at the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to 29, 2026.
Marking the debut of the world’s newest nation-based esports competition, the VALORANT event has already attracted 110 officially confirmed national rosters representing countries and territories from around the globe.
Only 32 teams will ultimately compete in the ENC VALORANT Finals, with 16 nations earning automatic qualification through the official ENC 2026 Rankings, which evaluated player performances across all sanctioned Riot Games competitions through the conclusion of Masters London.
Philippines Secures Direct Invitation
Among the world’s elite is the Philippines, which secured a coveted direct invitation after assembling one of the strongest rosters in Southeast Asia.
Representing the country are:
- Zeus
- kellyS
- xavi8k
- invy
- PatMen
- Markyyy
- Wild0reoo
The roster combines experienced veterans from established VCT organizations with rising stars who have consistently delivered strong performances across regional and international competitions.
A Roster Built for the Global Stage
Leading the Philippine squad are Zeus and kellyS of Team Secret, long regarded as key figures in Philippine VALORANT. Their disciplined, structured play has made Team Secret one of Southeast Asia’s most respected organizations within Riot Games’ VCT ecosystem.
Adding further international firepower is invy of Paper Rex, one of the world’s premier VALORANT organizations. His experience competing deep into global tournaments brings invaluable championship-level composure to the national lineup.
The roster is further strengthened by xavi8k and PatMen from Global Esports, both of whom have gained valuable experience competing against top-tier international opposition while steadily establishing themselves among the region’s brightest talents.
Rounding out the team are Markyyy and Wild0reoo, whose strong performances across the broader competitive circuit have consistently helped their respective teams achieve impressive regional results and internationally competitive campaigns.
Together, the lineup represents one of the deepest and most balanced Philippine VALORANT rosters assembled to date.
A Milestone for Philippine Esports
The selection reflects the remarkable growth of the country’s VALORANT ecosystem, with Filipino players increasingly earning places on leading organizations across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
By bringing together talent from internationally recognized VCT teams, the Philippines enters the Esports Nations Cup with a squad capable of translating regional success into meaningful results on the global stage.
The tournament also marks an important opportunity for the country to further establish itself among the world’s rising VALORANT powers.
USA Headlines Star-Studded Field
While the Philippines enters as one of Southeast Asia’s strongest representatives, the United States tops the ENC rankings with a roster stacked with world-class talent.
The American lineup features trent, valyn, and leaf from G2 Esports, joined by two-time VALORANT world champion Ethan, reigning world champion skuba, former Masters Madrid winner zekken, and elite duelist Cryocells.
The neighboring Canadian squad is equally formidable, led by world champion mada, alongside veterans TenZ, Marved, eeiu, koalanoob, jonahP, and Zander—setting up the possibility of one of the tournament’s most anticipated international rivalries.
Asia’s Finest Ready to Compete
Asia also boasts several championship-caliber lineups.
South Korea fields a roster featuring stars from T1 and Nongshim RedForce, while China enters with standout players from EDward Gaming, including ZmjKK, CHICHOO, and nobody.
Strong contenders also emerge from Singapore, Türkiye, Poland, Thailand, Malaysia, and Chinese Taipei, making the race for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup title one of the most competitive international VALORANT tournaments ever assembled.
Road to Riyadh Continues
With Masters London now concluded and the first 16 direct invitations finalized, attention shifts to the online regional qualifiers scheduled for June 26 to 28.
Additional qualifying slots will be awarded to the top two teams from:
- North America
- South America
- Western Europe
- Eastern Europe
- Asia
- Southeast Asia/Oceania
Meanwhile, MENA and Sub-Saharan Africa will each produce one direct qualifier, with the remaining two places allocated through Wildcard invitations.
As the countdown to Riyadh begins, the Philippines now stands among the world’s elite, carrying the hopes of Filipino esports fans into what promises to be one of the biggest international VALORANT tournaments ever held.
With a roster built on international experience, proven chemistry, and rising talent, Team Philippines has every opportunity to make a statement on the global stage and further cement the country’s growing reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s premier esports nations.
