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Esports Nations Cup 2026 Awards Official Partner Status Across 100+ Nations to Build the Future of Nation-Based Esports

New global framework unites federations, clubs and ecosystem leaders to form national teams and mobilize local communities, accelerating representation on the global stageWatch the ENC National Team Partners Announcement Campaign[Media Kit]RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Esports Foundation (EF) today awarded National Team Partner status to organizations and individuals across more than 100 countries and territories for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC), the global nation-based esports competition set to debut in Riyadh from November 2-29, 2026.
This marks the first time esports introduces a structured global system for national teams at scale, adding a new layer to the industry’s ecosystem alongside club-based competition. Designed to complement existing frameworks rather than replace them, the ENC will work with local stakeholders closest to the sport to strengthen connections and support long-term national development. National Team Partners will lead team formation, mobilize local communities and establish the structures needed to enable participation and the growth of esports. To ensure worldwide participation, countries and territories without a partner will be supported through regional structures provided by the EF. The EF received more than 630 applications from 150 countries and territories, reflecting the global interest in and opportunity for nation-based esports. The partners represent legacy esports organizations that have shaped their national scenes for decades alongside emerging forces driving the next wave of competitive gaming. The list of organizations and individuals who have been awarded this status is available on the ENC website and will be updated as additional appointments are confirmed.”The Esports Nations Cup introduces something esports has never had before: a global system for national teams at an unprecedented scale,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports Foundation. “The response we received from across the world shows that communities are ready for this next step. Together with our partners, we are building the structures that will allow players to represent their nations and compete on the biggest stage in esports. With more than 100 nations now part of the system, the Esports Nations Cup moves from concept to reality, establishing national esports as a lasting part of the global competitive landscape.”Recognizing that esports has developed differently in many nations, the ENC adopts a partnership-led approach rather than relying on a single model, marking a first in global sport and esports alike. By working with recognized local stakeholders, whether institutions, Clubs, or community-led organizations, this model is designed to unlock the full creative and competitive potential of each nation.National Team Partners will operate through a range of structures, from established national bodies such as the Korea Esports Association and the Saudi Esports Federation, to club-led coalitions in Brazil and the USA, and hybrid public-private alliances in countries like Germany, Canada and the UAE.In markets such as Malaysia, Turkey, and Thailand, partners include federations working closely with grassroots communities, while in emerging regions like Indonesia and Mongolia, partners are being supported through structured development to represent their nations on a global stage.For the first time in the history of esports, national teams will be formed from these local structures, bringing players together to compete for their nation and unlocking a new dimension of fandom built on identity and pride. From South Korea’s legendary League of Legends dominance and India’s Chess affinity, to Brazil’s Counter-Strike tradition, Japan’s fighting games heritage and Southeast Asia’s mobile games’ powerhouses, the ENC creates a new global stage for competition.The ENC will launch in Riyadh in November 2026 before moving to a rotating city model. The biennial ENC complements the annual Club-based Esports World Cup (EWC), providing a stable structure for players and long-term investment in national team programs.Additional information about the Esports Nations Cup will be released in the coming weeks. To stay up to date, visit esportsnationscup.com, and follow ENC on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and follow the Esports Foundation on LinkedIn.About the Esports Nations CupThe Esports Nations Cup (ENC) is a biennial global esports competition created by the Esports Foundation (EF) that brings national pride to the world stage. Launching in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2026, the ENC will feature the world’s best players competing not for their clubs, but for their countries and territories, across a lineup of leading esports titles. Built in collaboration with game partners, clubs, and esports organizations, the ENC establishes the first recurring, large-scale platform for national teams in esports. Beyond competition, it aims to fuel fandom, inspire heroes, and provide sustainable pathways for nations, players, and partners to grow within the global esports ecosystem. esportsnationscup.comAbout the Esports FoundationThe Esports Foundation (EF) is a non-profit organization based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, dedicated to advancing and professionalizing the global esports industry. Through the annual Esports World Cup (EWC) and the biennial Esports Nations Cup (ENC), the EF brings together the world’s top players, leading clubs, and millions of fans for the biggest stages in competitive gaming. Beyond hosting tournaments, the Esports Foundation works year-round to grow the esports ecosystem, support talent development, and create lasting opportunities for players, teams, and partners worldwide. Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2941650/Esports_Foundation_awarded_National_Team_Partner_status.jpgPhoto – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2941651/EsportsNationsCup_Wordmark_Black.jpgLogo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2695442/Esports_World_Cup_Foundation_Logo.jpg

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KITABOO Unveils Global Advisory Board Bringing Together Leaders from International Publishing, Education, and Technology

Senior figures behind some of the world’s most influential publishing, digital learning, and technology organizations join KITABOO to help shape the future of learning.MUMBAI, India, June 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KITABOO and KITABOO One today announced the formation of its Global Advisory Board, assembling an extraordinary group of internationally respected leaders whose collective influence spans global publishing, digital transformation, education technology, content innovation, and enterprise growth.

The newly formed board brings together pioneers who have helped shape modern publishing and digital learning across multiple continents — from leading some of the world’s most influential publishing institutions to scaling transformative technology and education businesses globally.The founding members of the KITABOO Global Advisory Board include:Richard CharkinOne of the most influential figures in global publishing, Richard Charkin has held senior leadership positions at publishing giants including Bloomsbury, Macmillan, Oxford University Press, Reed Elsevier, and Current Science Group. A former President of both the International Publishers Association and the U.K. Publishers Association, Charkin currently serves as Chair of Thames & Hudson and advises multiple next-generation AI and publishing ventures. In 2024, he was awarded an OBE for services to publishing and literature.David TaylorA globally respected publishing and distribution strategist, David Taylor spent over four decades shaping the evolution of the international book trade. As Senior Vice President at Ingram Content Group, he led the global expansion strategy for Lightning Source, one of the world’s pioneering print-on-demand platforms, helping establish transformative publishing infrastructure across Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Asia, including a major footprint in India.Emma HouseEmma House is internationally recognized for driving innovation across publishing and creative industries. Known for helping publishers navigate digital disruption, emerging technologies, and audience transformation, she has been at the forefront of industry modernization initiatives and future-focused publishing strategy across global markets.Vikrant MathurVikrant Mathur brings extensive leadership experience in enterprise technology, strategic transformation, and scaling global businesses. His expertise spans technology-driven growth, operational excellence, and innovation-led organizational transformation across international markets.Sesh SeshadriSesh Seshadri is a seasoned technology and business leader with deep expertise in enterprise systems, digital learning ecosystems, and large-scale transformation initiatives. Over the course of his career, he has advised and led organizations through critical technology modernization and innovation journeys.Pranav GuptaPranav Gupta is a globally recognised publishing and education industry leader known for advancing innovation across learning ecosystems, digital publishing, copyright, and workforce transformation. As a prominent voice in the international publishing community, he has worked that spans policy advocacy, knowledge accessibility, future skills, and the modernisation of education and content ecosystems, influencing institutions, industry bodies, and learning organisations across global markets.The formation of the Global Advisory Board marks a major strategic milestone for KITABOO as the company accelerates its mission to help publishers, educators, and enterprises navigate the rapidly evolving future of learning.At a time when artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, accessibility, and personalized learning are fundamentally reshaping how knowledge is created and consumed, KITABOO is bringing together some of the most experienced minds in the industry to help define what comes next.”The future of learning will belong to organizations that can successfully combine technology, pedagogy, accessibility, and scalable content innovation,” said the leadership team at KITABOO. “This board represents decades of global experience across exactly those domains. Their insights and strategic guidance will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of KITABOO’s growth and impact.”The advisory board will help guide KITABOO’s strategic direction across:AI-powered learning experiencesDigital publishing transformationGlobal content accessibilityInteractive and immersive learningEnterprise learning ecosystemsK12 and higher education innovationScalable content distribution infrastructureOver the years, KITABOO has emerged as a trusted digital publishing and learning platform serving publishers, educational institutions, and enterprises worldwide. The company’s solutions power interactive content experiences across K12, higher education, professional publishing, and corporate learning ecosystems.With the launch of this Global Advisory Board, KITABOO is reinforcing its long-term vision to become one of the defining global platforms powering the future of digital learning and knowledge delivery.About KITABOOKITABOO is a leading cloud-based digital publishing and learning platform that enables publishers, educational institutions, and enterprises to create, distribute, secure, and analyze interactive digital content experiences at scale. Through AI-driven capabilities, accessibility-first design, analytics, and immersive learning technologies, KITABOO powers next-generation learning experiences for organizations across the globe.About KITABOO ONEKITABOO ONE is a digital content distribution and access platform developed by BookIT Digital Technologies Pvt. Ltd., designed to help publishers distribute, license, and monetize eBooks and digital learning content across retail, institutional, and global partner ecosystems. Built on the KITABOO digital reading infrastructure, the platform supports secure content delivery, multi-device access, flexible licensing models, branded publisher storefronts, and institutional digital library solutions for universities, libraries, corporations, and government organizations.Media Contactcontact@kitaboo.com www.kitaboo.com 

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PR Newswire Signs Affiliate Membership with PRCAI to Strengthen India’s Communications Ecosystem

– Partnership underscores commitment to ethical standards, AI-era visibility, and collaborative industry growthMUMBAI, India, June 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Leading global press release distribution platform PR Newswire today announced its Affiliate Membership with Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI), India’s premium communications body.
Through this partnership, PR Newswire will participate in PRCAI’s industry forums, thought leadership platforms, and Industry discussions, while contributing to initiatives that strengthen professional standards and elevate best practices across the sector.”India’s communications industry is at a pivotal moment, shaped by digital transformation with AI-driven visibility, and evolving stakeholder expectations. Our partnership with PRCAI is a step towards achieving this and strengthening the network for faster and better results,” noted Winston D’Souza, Business Head, PR Newswire India.This collaboration was lauded by Amit Yadav, Business Head, PR Newswire India, too. “Our affiliate membership with PRCAI reflects our commitment to supporting industry dialogue, enabling knowledge exchange, and contributing to the professionalization of PR and corporate communications in India,” he said.This partnership will allow PR Newswire to: Become a practicing member of the Client–Consultancy Partnership Charter;Publish and showcase thought leadership content via PRCAI channels;Create speaker and engagement opportunities at PRCAI flagship initiatives and in industry reports;Allow exclusive/subsidized access to trainings and learning programs, masterclasses, and HR forums;Have a key presence on the PRCAI website, and connect to 180+ member network.Winston D’Souza & Amit Yadav jointly head PR Newswire India and have been instrumental in the market expansion and financial performance. Both have spent over 15 years with PR Newswire, playing a key role in strengthening and growing the brand’s presence in India.By decentralizing executive decisions and doubling leadership oversight, the co-leaders have successfully scaled core operations, unlocked innovative revenue streams, and fostered a high-performance culture. Their unified direction has not only accelerated compound annual growth but also solidified the company’s position as a resilient industry leader in the press release distribution space.About PR NewswirePR Newswire is the industry’s leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 500,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists, and influencers, and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our innovative AI-powered PR Newswire Amplify ™ platform, award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive Multichannel Amplification™ catalogue of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For more than 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination worldwide for brands to share their most important news stories.For more information, please visit www.prnewswire.comAbout CisionCision is the global leader in consumer and media intelligence, engagement, and communication solutions. We equip PR and corporate communications, marketing, and social media professionals with the tools they need to excel in today’s data driven world. Our deep expertise, exclusive data partnerships, and award-winning products, including CisionOne , Brandwatch , Trajaan , and PR Newswire , enable over 75,000 companies and organizations, including 84% of the Fortune 500, to see and be seen, understand and be understood by the audiences that matter most to them.About PRCAIFounded in 2001, the Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) is the nation’s most credible and influential communications body. For over two and a half decades, PRCAI has worked alongside its members to advance best practices, strengthen the profession, and nurture a world-class PR and communications ecosystem in India and beyond. With 180 member firms and thousands of practitioners, PRCAI champions ethical standards, talent development, innovation, and industry collaboration to build a globally competitive and future-ready communications ecosystem that contributes meaningfully to India’s business, cultural, and nation-building agenda. For more information about PRCAI, visit www.prcai.org.For questions, contact the team at CisionPR@cision.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2244701/PR_Newswire_Logo.jpg 

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Puri, Wayanad and Goa Emerge as Trending Summer Choices for Indian Families, Agoda Reports

SINGAPORE, June 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has recorded a rise in family accommodation searches for domestic summer travel compared to last year, with destinations such as Puri, Wayanad and Goa emerging as trending locations for the upcoming school holiday period. Based on accommodation search data for check-ins between May and June 2026, the findings point to growing travel interest in coastal, nature and outdoor-focused getaways compared to last year.

The trend aligns closely with the school holiday window where most schools in Indian states closing through May and June, and is one of the few periods in the year when families can travel together for an extended stretch. This is also reflected in travel planning, with families gravitating toward destinations that offer outdoor activities, relaxation and time together.Coastal and nature destinations see rising interest Odisha’s iconic coastal town, Puri, is drawing interest with a 68% rise in accommodation searches. Home to the Jagannath Temple and the broad sweep of the Bay of Bengal shoreline, Puri offers families a mix of spiritual heritage and beachside leisure that is clearly resonating with summer holiday planners.Kerala’s Wayanad has seen a 40% rise in family accommodation searches compared to last year. A world away from the summer heat of the plains, its wildlife sanctuaries, plantation retreats and cool, mist-wrapped forests offer a distinctive kind of family holiday, one built around nature rather than novelty.Goa, perennially one of India’s most sought-after destinations, has registered a 29% increase in searches. With its wide array of beaches, water parks and broad range of resort stays suited to children of all ages, it continues to draw consistent interest from families planning their summer break.Hill stations and adventure destinations trends as wellRishikesh in Uttarakhand recorded a 22% rise in accommodation searches, with families increasingly drawn to its mix of spiritual significance, riverside camps, yoga retreats and outdoor activities such as rafting along the Ganga.The hill stations of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu continue to draw interest as well. Mahabaleshwar recorded a 15% increase in family accommodation searches compared to last year, while Ooty saw a 13% rise. Both these destinations offer cool temperatures, scenic viewpoints and well-established hospitality infrastructure that have made them summer staples for generations of Indian travelers.Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, Agoda said, “Summer holidays continue to be an important travel period for Indian families, and in 2026 the planning behind these trips has grown increasingly intentional. Families are exploring a broader mix of destinations, from coastal getaways and nature-focused escapes to perennial favorites. This reflects a growing desire among travelers to consider a wider range of options for their vacations. At Agoda, our focus is on enabling exactly that kind of considered planning, bringing together the right combination of stays, flights and activities to make any vacation plan seamless.”Agoda provides access to over 6 million holiday properties across price points and property types, alongside more than 130,000 flight routes and over 300,000 activities that can be booked together in one place. Discover the latest deals on the Agoda mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more information.

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