Key Highlights:
- The 2026 Asian Games will take place between September 19, 2026 to October 4, 2026 and will have 11 Esports titles included in its roster.
- The platforms include a combination of PC, console and mobile.
- Applying for the same is a bit of a lengthy, complicated process.
Esports is starting to become a big presence, with the 20th Asian Games holding a dedicated gauntlet of games on show. A total of eleven titles have been selected, ranging from mobile games to proper, established fighting games which represent different skillsets for each team involved.
If you’re curious about the titles involved, and of how to possibly apply, you’ve come to the right place; read on.
The Asian Games 2026 And Esports
Competitive gaming has come a long way since its 2018 debut at the 2018 Asian Games. Back then, it was only a demonstration event, and highlighted the potential future for Esports. This has held up well over time.
Esports is now a mainstay at most nation and world wide events, with the Olympics having taken notice recently. There’s no doubt that some skill and finesse is here, and it should be appreciated.
Also Read: Marvel’s Wolverine Finally Gets A Release Date
As dated in a circular on February 22, 2026 toward multiple members of the OCA (and the vice president of the Asian Games Organizing Committee), a list of eleven games were selected from an emergency board meeting, held online.
The games will take place between September 19, 2026 through October 4, 2026.
All Titles Confirmed For the Asian Games 2026’ Esports
The following eleven titles have been confirmed to be in the 2026 Esports Asian Games:
- Street Fighter 6 (PC)
- Tekken 8 (PC)
- King of Fighters XV (PC)
- Pokemon Unite (Switch/mobile)
- Honor of Kings (mobile)
- League of Legends (PC)
- PUBG mobile (Asian Games version, mobile)
- Mobile Legends Bang Bang (mobile)
- Identity V (Asian Games version, mobile)
- Naraka Bladepoint (PC)
- Gran Turismo 7 (PlayStation 5)
- eFootball series (PC and mobile)
- Puyo Puyo Champions (PC)
Most of these titles seem to come from Chinese and Japanese devs, which makes sense. There’s quite a few mobile centric titles this time too, showcasing a rising trend in mobile game popularity.
Still nice to see games like Street Fighter and King of Fighters make it to the center stage though.
How To Apply (India)
The National Esports Championships (NESC) 2026 is already up and accepting registrations. You can register between February 21 to March 7, 2026 and will have to compete in a variety of Esports related tests.
Of the finalizers, a select few number of athletes will be chosen who will represent India at the 2026 Asian Games, which will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
With India participating in ten out of eleven titles (notably missing Identity V), there’s a good chance that we could see some real talent at work here, managing to claw their way to victory.
One thing to note here, as the Asian Games version of PUBG mobile is very different from Battlegrounds Mobile India, the evaluation and selection process may be subject to the approval of the final selection committee.
For international players, you can apply from your respective Esports federations, at the national level.
