Morocco qualifies for Esports Nations Cup 2026 with ScreaM leading the charge

Morocco is headed to the Esports Nations Cup 2026 after qualifying through the Middle East and Africa regional pathway for Counter-Strike 2. The squad is headlined by Adil “ScreaM” Benrlitom, widely considered one of the most mechanically gifted players the Counter-Strike franchise has ever produced.

The team secured their spot through an open qualifier held in late June 2026. They’ll compete at the ENC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 2 to 29, where the CS2 competition alone carries a prize pool north of $1 million.

A World Cup for esports, basically

The inaugural event is being put together by the Esports World Cup Foundation and will feature 24 teams competing in CS2. Across all titles, the tournament expects to draw more than 1,500 players from over 100 nations, with competitions spanning 15 to 16 different games.

The qualification system uses a mix of open online qualifiers, direct invitations, and regional allocation slots covering seven global regions.

The entire concept was officially unveiled at the New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh back in August 2025.

ScreaM’s reunion tour

For anyone who followed Counter-Strike over the past decade, ScreaM needs no introduction. The Belgian-Moroccan player built his reputation on almost supernatural aim, earning the nickname “The Headshot Machine” from fans and commentators alike.

ScreaM later made a high-profile switch to Valorant when that game launched, becoming one of the first marquee CS players to cross over. His return to Counter-Strike 2 under the Moroccan flag adds genuine star power to both the team and the tournament itself.

The Moroccan roster reads like a family affair. ScreaM is reunited with his brother Nabil “Nivera” Benrlitom, and the squad is rounded out by hAdji, Hawk, and Yeneurs. The brother duo previously played together during their time in professional Valorant, so the chemistry isn’t starting from scratch.

Morocco’s competitive gaming infrastructure has been quietly developing behind the scenes. The Royal Moroccan Federation of Electronic Games has played a central role in organizing and promoting competitive play within the country.

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