The competition was first played in 1994. From 1997 to 1999, the Campeonato do Nordeste champions granted qualification to
Copa Conmebol. From 2000 to 2002, the Campeonato do Nordeste champions granted qualification to the
Copa dos Campeões. The competition returned in 2010, after being defunct since 2003. Copa do Nordeste returned again in 2013. From 2014 to 2016, the winner got a spot in the
Copa Sudamericana. The Copa do Nordeste champion now qualifies to the
Copa do Brasil. After 2026 onwards, teams qualified for the
Copa Libertadores and
Copa Sudamericana will no longer participate in the competition due to the conflict of matches schedule. ==Competition format==