India locks in coaches for Esports Nations Cup 2026; race for national spots begins India has confirmed its coaching line-up for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026, kickstarting the player selection process for the global, nation-based tournament set to be held in Riyadh from November 2 to 29.
As National Team Partner, NODWIN Gaming has appointed coaches across major titles, with each tasked with identifying talent, shaping strategy, and building competitive squads ahead of the qualification pathway.
India’s coaching line-up (key names and roles)
Moin Ejaz (NO_Chanc3) – DOTA 2
A Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022 bronze medallist, brings over a decade of competitive experience.
Rahul (Ayogi) – BGMI
Former analyst and coach who guided teams like Blind Esports and Team SouL to multiple titles, including BGMI Pro Series 2023 and BGIS 2026.
Abhishek Bajaj (GodspeedxD) – VALORANT
Known for title-winning stints with Reckoning, Bleed, Velocity, and Grayfox Esports.
Pankaj Upadhyay (KAKA) – League of Legends
One of India’s most recognised LoL players with multiple international appearances.
Steve Vitug (Dale) – MLBB (MOBA Legends: 5v5!)
Philippines-based coach with top-six finishes at world championships with Omega Esports and Falcon Esports.
Pratik Mehra (Aurum) – PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
Former Fnatic coach; led teams to wins at PUBG Mobile All Stars India 2019 and strong international finishes.
Ashrit Goyal (notyAshritB) – Rainbow Six Siege
South Asia Nationals 2022 runner-up with consistent APAC performances.
Nirjhar Mitra (jocse) – Rocket League
Represented India internationally and won the Esportz Premier Series 2022.
Gradyano Valendy (Rinnqt) – Honor of Kings
Indonesian coach with experience at Rex Regum Qeon and global qualification pathways.
What this means
The appointment of coaches signals a structural shift, moving Indian esports closer to a national-team model with defined pathways and accountability. Player selections are due by May 10, with announcements expected from mid-May.
Published on Apr 24, 2026
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India has confirmed its coaching line-up for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026, kickstarting the player selection process for the global, nation-based tournament set to be held in Riyadh from November 2 to 29.
As National Team Partner, NODWIN Gaming has appointed coaches across major titles, with each tasked with identifying talent, shaping strategy, and building competitive squads ahead of the qualification pathway.
India’s coaching line-up (key names and roles)
Moin Ejaz (NO_Chanc3) – DOTA 2
A Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022 bronze medallist, brings over a decade of competitive experience.
Rahul (Ayogi) – BGMI
Former analyst and coach who guided teams like Blind Esports and Team SouL to multiple titles, including BGMI Pro Series 2023 and BGIS 2026.
Abhishek Bajaj (GodspeedxD) – VALORANT
Known for title-winning stints with Reckoning, Bleed, Velocity, and Grayfox Esports.
Pankaj Upadhyay (KAKA) – League of Legends
One of India’s most recognised LoL players with multiple international appearances.
Steve Vitug (Dale) – MLBB (MOBA Legends: 5v5!)
Philippines-based coach with top-six finishes at world championships with Omega Esports and Falcon Esports.
Pratik Mehra (Aurum) – PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS
Former Fnatic coach; led teams to wins at PUBG Mobile All Stars India 2019 and strong international finishes.
Ashrit Goyal (notyAshritB) – Rainbow Six Siege
South Asia Nationals 2022 runner-up with consistent APAC performances.
Nirjhar Mitra (jocse) – Rocket League
Represented India internationally and won the Esportz Premier Series 2022.
Gradyano Valendy (Rinnqt) – Honor of Kings
Indonesian coach with experience at Rex Regum Qeon and global qualification pathways.
What this means
The appointment of coaches signals a structural shift, moving Indian esports closer to a national-team model with defined pathways and accountability. Player selections are due by May 10, with announcements expected from mid-May.
Published on Apr 24, 2026
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