The Korea eSports Foundation (KeSPA) and the Esports Foundation (EF) have found a joint path forward and agreed to a mutual partnership for the Esports Nations Cup, the latter revealed to media earlier today. Therefore, Team Korea is set to participate in the inaugural edition of the ENC.
This comes reports on April 26 that the KeSPA was withdrawing from the ENC due to the EF interfering in the player selection process. Subsequently, the Esports Foundation said that the KeSPA would no longer be serving as the National Team Partner (NTP) for the country. NTPs are Esports Foundation-appointed entities that are responsible for selecting the national team of the country.
KeSPA’s withdrawal from the tournament wouldn’t have prevented Korean players from competing at the ENC, but it could have resulted in the absence of the South Korean flag during the event.
Since then, though, KeSPA and the EF have found an agreement and will move forward with a continued partnership. Team Korea will participate in the inaugural edition of the Esports Nations Cup, with KeSPA making the team.
“With alignment on values, operational standards, and national team structure, and in recognition of KeSPA’s established expertise and authority in Korea, the two parties have agreed that KeSPA will serve as National Team Partner and lead Korea’s national team selection,” the Esports Foundation said in a statement to media today.
The EF also confirmed that they will be competing under the Team Korea of Esports banner.
“Korea’s national coaches and players will continue to be selected with professional integrity, in accordance with the partners’ regulations and competition standards. Ultimately, the players and coaches representing Korea will participate under the official “Team Korea of Esports” banner.”
KeSPA will send South Korea’s best players as Team Korea in the ENC 2026. Image Source: Riot Games
T1 and Gen.G have shared that they rely on the Esports World Cup and Esports Nations Cup for their growth. The EF allows these organizations to branch out into other games and receive support for their new teams.
With the Asian Games, South Korea’s national teams have historically featured a majority of players from T1 and Gen.G. Considering their ambitions with the Esports Foundation, this renewed partnership directly benefits them as well.
Currently, a few nations still don’t appear on the ENC’s website, such as China, Hong Kong, or Taïwan. However, the platform hasn’t relisted South Korea as of yet either.
Featured image source: Riot Games
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