FaNg and steel's Team Canada top Canadian Esports Nations Cup qualifier

With the Esports Nations Cup North American qualifier fast approaching, the national qualifiers have been slowly determining the squads that will represent their countries for the chance to play on LAN.

As the two countries with the most representation in NA CS, Canada and the United States have been the most contested qualifiers. Though the United States has yet to determine its squad, Team Canada emerged victorious last night to claim their namesake's spot.

As only six squads signed up, Team Canada got a bye through the quarterfinals. After a 2-0 win over QUPMANACS, they reached the final against Poulet Rouge, who had former Strife player David "J0LZ" Jolin.

Poulet Rouge picked Nuke as the first map and held Team Canada to only six rounds, leaving the map tied going into the second half. Poulet Rouge put Team Canada down 8-11, but Team Canada mounted a comeback to secure their opponent's pick 13-11. Team Canada picked Inferno, and the first half was another split down the middle, 6-6. However, Team Canada put together a flawless CT-side to take the map 13-6.

The star of the match was former Complexity and NRG player Justin "FaNg" Coakley. He ended the series with a 40/25 K/D and 89.6 ADR.

Canada's squad for the 2026 ENC will be:

• Joshua "steel" Nissan

• Justin "FaNg" Coakley

• Colby "Walco" Walsh

• Evindar "Drop" Isik

• Andrew "shiraz" McGrath

• Damian "daps" Steele (Coach)