Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ANI Photo)NEW DELHI: India have secured their place at the VALORANT main event of the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) 2026 after producing a determined run through the Asia regional qualifiers, becoming one of only two teams from the region to qualify for the global competition.The ENC 2026 will be held from November 2 to 29 and will feature 32 teams battling for a prize pool of USD 1.5 million. Sixteen countries and territories earned direct invitations through the ENC Rankings based on performances in official Riot Games competitions, while the remaining spots were decided through regional qualifiers across the world.India bounce back after early setbackIndia's campaign began in commanding fashion with a comprehensive 13-2 victory over Nepal in the Upper Bracket quarterfinals. However, their progress was halted by eventual qualifier Japan, who handed them a 13-5 defeat in the Upper Bracket semifinals.Facing elimination, the Indian side showed remarkable resilience. They first overcame Pakistan 13-9 in the Lower Bracket quarterfinals before edging past Mongolia 13-10 to reach the Lower Bracket Final, where a place at the ENC 2026 main event was at stake.The Indian squad saved its best performance for the decisive clash against Hong Kong. Led by in-game leader Sagnik Roy (Hellf), India claimed the opening map 13-10 before producing a dominant display in the second, winning 13-6 to complete a 2-0 series victory and secure qualification.The squad also featured Abhirup Choudhury (Lightningfast), Aman Yadav (Hoax), Venkatesh Sharma (Venky) and Daivik Chauhan (Dc), with Norbu Tsering (Karam1L) and Shravana Sahoo (Techno) serving as substitutes. Abhishek Bajaj (GodspeedxD), appointed by NODWIN Gaming as India's National Team Partner for ENC 2026, served as the team's coach.Road to the global stageThe VALORANT competition at ENC 2026 will begin with a round-robin group stage featuring all 32 qualified teams split into four groups of eight. The top four teams from each group will progress to a 16-team single-elimination playoff bracket.Group-stage matches will be played as best-of-one contests, while the playoffs will follow a best-of-three format. The tournament will culminate in a best-of-five Grand Final as the world's top national teams battle for the prestigious title and a share of the USD 1.5 million prize pool.