Ranking table of nations participating in the SEA Esports Nations Cup (SNC) 2026.

The first national team-level esports tournament in Southeast Asia gathered 87 athletes from 11 countries. At the SEA Esports Nations Cup 2026, the overall ranking of national teams was determined by accumulated medal points throughout the competition. Each individual gold medal earned 100 points, silver 60 points, and bronze 30 points.

Team-based events carried higher point values to emphasize strategy and collective strength. A team gold medal was worth 150 points, silver 90 points, and bronze 45 points. In Duo 2v2 categories, a gold medal yielded 120 points, silver 72 points, and bronze 36 points. The tournament also awarded bonus points for women's categories, promoting the presence and contribution of female athletes in the regional esports ecosystem.

After two days of competition at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), the SEA Esports Nations Cup 2026 concluded with Indonesia taking first place overall with 446 points. Vietnam secured second place with 390 points, while Thailand finished third with 190 points.

The inaugural SNC aimed for a national team competition model, featuring titles such as: PUBG Mobile, Dau Truong Chan Ly (Team Fight Tactics), Total Football, and Crossfire Legends.

The PUBG Mobile event featured intense competition and explosive moments from top regional athletes. Indonesia's Satar and Yummy claimed the gold and silver medals in the individual category. Vietnam's duo, Nguyen Anh Quan and Phan Van Dong ("Levis" and "Win"), secured the gold medal in the Duo category with a comeback in the final match.

Athletes Nguyen Anh Quan and Phan Van Dong celebrate their Duo championship in PUBG Mobile at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) on 9/5. *Quynh Tran*

In Dau Truong Chan Ly (TFT), players delivered exciting matches and emotional comebacks. Ina Nanande (Indonesia) won the gold medal in the men's category, while Boomhae (Thailand) took silver, and Quaze (Malaysia) and Foeman (Thailand) earned bronze. In the women's category, Singapore's Cheebies was champion, Manhdayne (Vietnam) finished second, and Hoangphanhanh (Vietnam) and Ambrosine (Brunei) received bronze medals.

In Total Football, Vietnam's representative Doan Trong Tan ("TunTun") defeated Myanmar 2-0 in the playoffs and then beat Malaysia 3-2 in the semifinals to reach the final against Thailand. Trong Tan at one point led 5-2 but ultimately lost 5-6 to gamer Nathawat Satake ("Jacob") after two matches. Thailand secured the gold medal, Vietnam took silver, and Malaysia and Timor Leste earned bronze.

As the final event of SNC 2026, Crossfire Legends delivered explosive and emotional matchups, concluding the tournament with a fitting end for Southeast Asian esports. In the final, Indonesia demonstrated resilience, defeating host Vietnam to claim the gold medal. Philippines and Malaysia each secured a bronze medal.

Vietnamese Crossfire Legends athletes (in white) compete before a cheering crowd at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) on 9/5. *Quynh Tran*

The SEA Esports Nations Cup will be held annually starting this year, organized collaboratively by the Southeast Asian Esports Federation (SEAEF), Vietnam GameVerse, and VNGGames. The tournament's establishment marks a milestone in shaping Southeast Asian esports as a unified entity with structure, a voice, and an international identity, while also promoting the region's esports scene to a wider audience. In its inaugural year, the total prize pool was 41,000 USD, equivalent to over 1 billion VND.

The Vietnam GameVerse 2026 tournament featured intense competition until the final moments, showcasing the professionalism, determination, and unity of Southeast Asian esports teams, creating a memorable and emotional event.

Beyond being just a tournament, the SNC is positioned as a link in a multi-tiered competition system, contributing to the development roadmap from regional to continental and global levels, alongside events like the SEA Games and Asian Games. It also provides a foundation for the region to approach modern sports governance standards and enhance its presence in the international esports ecosystem.

Vietnamese FC Mobile athletes at the FC Mobile Invitation Cup 2026 friendly event, part of GameVerse 2026, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) on 9/5. *Quynh Tran*

Vietnam GameVerse 2026 successfully took place on 8-9/5 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in TP HCM. The event was directed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; and jointly organized by the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, VnExpress newspaper, FPT Online Services Joint Stock Company (FPT Online), and the Vietnam Game Alliance.

This year, the event adopted the theme "Do Local - Go Global", featuring activities such as: the Vietnam Game Forum, Vietnam Game Awards, the Cosplay Contest 2026 finals, a game experience zone, business networking activities, and entertainment programs for the gaming community.

By Vy Anh