An analysis by Mike Stubbs argued that a nation-versus-nation format could "actually make national competition work" in esports if execution and game selection align with fan interest.
Sheep Esports welcomed the concept but noted that key details—such as the final list of games, qualification specifics and national team governance—had not yet been fully disclosed at launch.
South Korea selection controversy In March 2026, as part of the National Team Partner selection process, the
Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA) was selected as the National Team Partner for South Korea at the
2026 edition in Riyadh. This gave KeSPA full rights to select South Korea's coaches and rosters for each title at the event. However, in an April 2026 report in
Seoul Sport, it was revealed that the Esports Foundation had requested to include certain players onto South Korea's rosters for select titles. KeSPA would stand by its own selection process and go against requests made by the Esports Foundation. The
Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) would further state that athletes that weren't selected via official means, like through KeSPA, would be barred from competing under the Korean flag or being called "national representatives". Ultimately, in a statement published to numerous outlets, it was announced that the Esports Foundaiton would not move forward with KeSPA as the National Team Partner for South Korea. == See also ==