Could Rainbow Six Siege Finally Get Its Own World Cup?

Back in September 2020, Ubisoft revealed an ambitious plan: the Siege World Cup. The concept was straightforward yet groundbreaking — 45 nations would send their top players to compete at the highest level in the summer of 2021, with the goal of crowning the first-ever Rainbow Six Siege world champion.

Unfortunately, the tournament never came to life. The COVID-19 pandemic hit esports especially hard, making global travel and international events impossible. With that, Ubisoft’s project was quietly shelved.

For years, fans kept the dream alive, debating what a true world championship could look like. Would Brazil’s dominance continue on the global stage? Could the United States rise to the challenge? Or might a European nation like Sweden shock the scene with an upset victory? These questions eventually faded, as the event remained only a “what if.”

Now, however, the idea is back on the table — and this time, it looks more real than ever.

Enter the Esports Nations Cup

At the New Global Sport Conference, Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, announced the launch of the Esports Nations Cup. Much like the Esports World Cup, this new event will span more than 15 different titles. But here’s the twist: instead of competing for their organizations, players will represent their countries.

The tournament will be held every two years, with the first edition set for November 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Unlike the Esports World Cup, which remains tied to Saudi Arabia, future editions of the Nations Cup will move across the globe — meaning the 2028 tournament will be hosted elsewhere.

Will Rainbow Six Siege Be Included?

Ubisoft hasn’t confirmed Rainbow Six Siege X as part of the lineup, but its inclusion feels almost inevitable. The title remains a cornerstone of the esports ecosystem, and with Ubisoft executives like Yves Guillemot present at the announcement, speculation is running high.

If Siege X were added, however, it would create a major scheduling shakeup. The Nations Cup in November 2026 would directly clash with the BLAST R6 Major, forcing Ubisoft and BLAST to reevaluate their competitive calendar. The ripple effect would extend to regional leagues and national tournaments, disrupting the entire Siege ecosystem.

A Double-Edged Sword

The possibility of a true international showdown in Rainbow Six Siege is thrilling for fans who’ve waited years for this moment. But the road won’t be simple. While the Esports Nations Cup could finally deliver on the promise of a global Siege championship, it would also demand a complete restructuring of the game’s current esports framework.

One thing is certain: if Siege X joins the Nations Cup, it could be one of the most defining — and disruptive — moments in the game’s competitive history.