India’s esports contingent for the upcoming Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 has been finalized, with NODWIN Gaming, the country’s National Team Partner (NTP), announcing the national squads for DOTA 2 and MOBA Legends: 5v5! ahead of the global competition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

According to a NODWIN Gaming press release, the Esports Nations Cup 2026 will take place from November 2 to 29 and will feature some of the world’s strongest esports nations competing across multiple titles. The announcement brings together several of India’s most accomplished esports athletes, including representatives from the Asian Games, Commonwealth Esports Championships, and Esports World Cup qualification events.

The DOTA 2 roster will be led by Krish Gupta, popularly known as Krish, who is currently India’s highest-ranked DOTA 2 player. Krish has previously represented the country at the Hangzhou Asian Games and the IESF Asian Championship 2023. Joining him are Dhvanit Singh Negi (Negi), Vishal Vernekar (HBK), Manav Kunte (MnZ), and Yash Thakur (xand3r_^), while Khaja Hussain (Pinkman) and Harsh Shah (Archmage-) have been named as substitutes.

The squad brings together a wealth of international experience. HBK was part of India’s bronze medal-winning team at the Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022, while MnZ has represented the nation at the Global Esports Games. Several players in the lineup have competed together previously, providing the team with valuable chemistry ahead of the tournament. The team will be coached by Moin Ejaz, known in the esports community as NO_Chanc3.

DOTA 2 competition at ENC 2026 will run from November 2 to 9 and feature 32 national teams battling for a prize pool of USD 1.5 million (approximately ₹14.2 crore). The top 16 teams based on official rankings will earn direct invitations, while additional teams will qualify through regional qualifiers.

Speaking on the opportunity, Krish said that representing India on the international stage is always special and that the team is focused on preparing well for the challenge ahead.

Meanwhile, India’s MOBA Legends: 5v5! team features some of the country’s most successful players from the title. The lineup includes Gaithanlung Gonmei (Kyle), Susanta Biswas (Kimyy), Abhijeet Katkar (Asuna), Rithik Sohal (Romcom), and Evancius A. Sangma (Vann). Mohammad Saad (Apex) and Jay Mehta (J) have been named reserve players.

Several members of the squad recently secured qualification for the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 through their performances with True Rippers and other leading Indian organizations. Kyle, Kimyy, and Asuna were instrumental in winning the MOBA Legends Masters Series, while Romcom and Vann arrive after helping GodLike Esports claim the Mythic Showdown Season 2 title. The team will be coached by Steve Vitug, better known as Dale.

The MOBA Legends: 5v5! competition is scheduled for November 23 to 29 and will also feature a prize pool of USD 1.5 million. India currently sits 11th in the rankings and remains in contention for a direct invitation to the main event.

Coach Dale said the selected lineup combines proven performers with emerging talent, adding that several players already have experience competing together, which will be beneficial as preparations begin for the tournament.

The announcement reflects India’s growing presence on the global esports stage, with players increasingly competing at major international events. Alongside the DOTA 2 and MOBA Legends teams, Indian competitors are also pursuing qualification pathways in titles such as Chess and Rocket League as the country looks to strengthen its standing in global esports competition.