South Korean Media Claims KeSPA has Withdrawn from Esports Nations Cup 2026
South Korea’s Korea eSports Association (KeSPA) has unexpectedly withdrawn from the Esports Nations Cup 2026, according to South Korean media outlet Sports Seoul. The withdrawal came as a surprise given KeSPA’s recent selection as the National Team Partner for the tournament by the Esports Foundation in March, following application submissions in January.
Just days before the withdrawal, KeSPA announced its roster of coaches for the international competition, demonstrating apparent commitment to participation. The team included Kang ‘Hirai’ Dong-hoon, former coach of KT Rolster, for League of Legends, and Kim ‘SilKanoN’ Gyeong-min, coach of Nongshim RedForce, for Valorant. These announcements were part of a broader coaching reveal involving representatives from multiple nations.
Despite this seemingly normal progression through the tournament’s organizational stages, KeSPA withdrew from the competition the day after the coaches were announced. The sudden reversal raises questions about what prompted the decision, though specific reasons for the withdrawal have not been disclosed in available reporting. The timing suggests the withdrawal was unexpected even within the esports community, given the recent public announcement of the coaching staff and the association’s earlier formal commitment to the event.