NODWIN Gaming has unveiled Team India’s roster for PUBG: Battlegrounds at the upcoming Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026, bringing together a mix of experienced international representatives and some of the country’s most consistent performers. The global nation-based esports tournament will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to 29.
According to a press release issued by NODWIN Gaming, India’s National Team Partner (NTP) for ENC 2026, the squad will be led by coach Pratik Mehra, popularly known as Aurum. The lineup includes Anirban Paul (Snipaul), Tejasvi Vashist (Unforgiven), Rishi Singh (Ryzn) and Vedang Chavan (Vedzz), while Rupesh Kumar (Rupesh) and Shaikh Abuzar (Illmindd) have been named as substitutes.
The selected roster combines players with extensive international experience and proven performances on major competitive stages. Snipaul, who will serve as the team’s in-game leader, earned recognition after guiding Team Newbies to qualification for the PUBG Master Series APAC Finals and helping the side reach the Esports World Cup playoffs last year. He is set to represent India once again at the upcoming PUBG Nations Cup 2026 alongside Unforgiven.
Unforgiven brings valuable international exposure to the squad, having previously represented India at PUBG Nations Cup 2023. Known for his calm approach under pressure and strong mechanical skills, he has established himself as one of the country’s most reliable assault players.
Ryzn joins the team after representing India at PUBG Nations Cup 2025. Widely recognised for his aggressive style of play and ability to make decisive moves during critical moments, he adds further firepower to the Indian lineup. Vedzz, meanwhile, contributes additional international experience, having represented India at the Asia Pacific Predator League 2022, where he emerged as his team’s top fragger. His game awareness and leadership qualities are expected to strengthen the squad’s tactical flexibility.
The substitutes also bring significant experience to the team. Both Rupesh and Illmindd were part of India’s PUBG Nations Cup 2025 campaign and have consistently demonstrated strong communication skills and competitive performances at the highest level.
Commenting on the announcement, Anirban Paul (Snipaul), in-game leader of the Indian PUBG squad, said, “Country-based events bring a unique level of pride and motivation. This team combines experienced players who have represented India before with others who have consistently performed at the highest level domestically. We are looking forward to working together and making the most of this opportunity.”
PUBG: Battlegrounds at ENC 2026 will be held from November 11 to 15 and will feature 24 national teams competing for a prize pool of USD 1.12 million (over ₹10.6 crore). Twelve teams will receive direct invitations based on the ENC Ranking system, which considers performances in official PUBG competitions between February and June 2026. Another 10 teams will qualify through regional online qualifiers scheduled for July 10-12, while the final two spots will be decided through wildcard invitations.
India has already secured participation in three esports titles at ENC 2026. In Chess, Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Mitrabha Guha have qualified, while the country’s VALORANT team recently booked its place through the Asia regional qualifiers. Trackmania player Kunal Upreti has also secured qualification after a successful run in the regional competition.
India’s preparations for the inaugural Esports Nations Cup continue across several titles. The DOTA 2 squad is currently competing in the regional qualifiers, while the Rocket League team will begin its qualification campaign later this month. The country’s MOBA Legends: 5v5! team also remains in contention for a direct invitation, with regional qualifiers scheduled in August if required.
With a balanced roster featuring experienced campaigners and proven performers, India will be aiming to make a strong impression when PUBG: Battlegrounds competition gets underway in Riyadh later this year.
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