2026 EWCF Club Partner Program
Applications for the 2026 EWCF Club Partner Program are now open!
Investing into Global Ecosystem Growth
Following the success of the 2025 Club Partner Program, which saw record engagement from Clubs and fans worldwide, the 2026 EWCF Club Partner Program enters its next phase as EWCF’s flagship investment into Clubs and the wider esports ecosystem. Building on its continuous efforts since 2023, the Foundation reaffirms its long-term commitment to a sustainable, connected, and truly global esports ecosystem.
Through the 2026 Program, EWCF will continue to invest $20 million into the global esports ecosystem to support 40 leading Clubs in growing their audiences and brands, driving sustainable growth in the industry. Participating Clubs receive six-figure funding, priority access to the EWCF Superfan Program, and year-round collaboration opportunities to strengthen fan engagement and brand storytelling leading up to and during the Esports World Cup 2026.
Hans Jagnow
Director, Club & Player Relations
“Through the EWCF Club Partner Program, we continue to invest in organizations driving esports forward and growing their fanbase together with us. Our focus for 2026 is to deepen our global reach, supporting Clubs as they grow their communities and bringing new audiences into the world of esports. This program is not only about sustainability, but also about building the next generation of esports fandom.”
The 2026 Club Partner Program
The 2026 EWCF Club Partner Program is once again available to 40 Clubs: up to eight top Clubs from the EWC 2025 Championship ranking will receive direct invitations, while the remaining spots will be filled through the open application process. We are looking for global organizations with strong brand equity and engaged fan communities that are ready to work with us to co-design, activate, and monetize new revenue streams. Annual re-application is required for all participating Clubs going forward.
The 2026 EWCF Club Partner Program will focus on Clubs around the world that show high levels of fan engagement and creative excellence. Through this partnership, the EWCF and the participating Clubs will jointly invest to tell the EWC 2026 stories. Partnered Clubs are expected to have an established track record of elite competitive performance across multiple games, as well as a substantial social media presence with the ability to engage and grow a global fanbase. Participating Clubs will be able to access the Program funding by engaging their fanbase with their brands throughout the esports year - so fans can follow storylines leading up to the Esports World Cup, watch tournaments online, and experience live matches during the season.
As part of the Club Partner Program, EWCF has developed a series of initiatives that bring Clubs and fans closer together. Starting in 2025, this included the Super Fan Program, which brought nearly 2,000 fans from around the world to Riyadh to support their favorite Clubs live at the Esports World Cup. The Super Fan Program is designed to recognize and reward the most dedicated supporters and turn their passion into on-site support for Clubs and players on the global stage. In 2026, participating Clubs can expect an even bigger Super Fan Program with co-branded campaigns that help them identify, activate, and reward their top fans across digital channels and live events.
We invite Clubs from all over the world to apply, as we continue to grow esports globally, with a focus on key esports regions, including India, China, Southeast Asia, and LATAM.
How does the EWCF Club Partner Program 2026 work?
Clubs will receive a six-figure funding to grow their organization in 2026 and activate their brand, players and fans leading up to and during Esports World Cup 2026. Additional funding is provided through different activities, campaigns and bounties, based on merit and metrics.
A Club's acceptance and participation in the Program does not guarantee a spot at the Esports World Cup 2026. All Clubs will be required to qualify through traditional methods to earn their spot in each game’s EWC tournament.
How does the application process work?
→ Application Phase
Esports Clubs from around the world are welcome to apply for the 2026 Club Partner Program from November 18th, 2025 to December 18th, 2025. The application takes about an hour to complete and requires key information about Club entities, their legal structure, their active games, fan engagement on different social platforms, and their vision for interacting with EWC26. The application form provided will include all necessary details and information that Clubs need to submit.
→ Evaluation Phase
The EWCF will evaluate all applications received to determine successful Clubs
→ Final Selection
Successful teams will be notified that their applications have been accepted, and will meet with the Program managing team from EWCF to finalize all details and contractual agreements.
Club Program FAQ
The Club Partner Program, launched in 2023, is an industry-leading program which includes top tier esports clubs from around the world. It focuses on uniting esports fans across all game ecosystems through its partnered clubs, with the goal of growing the global fanbase of esports.
Each successful Club that joins our program will be eligible for a performance-based six-figure payout directly tied to the Club's ability to grow their following and engagement with their fans leading up to and during the Esports World Cup 2026.
We will accept a total of 40 Clubs into the Program: up to eight top Clubs from the EWC 2025 Championship ranking will receive direct invitations, while the remaining spots will be filled through the open application process.
EWC Club Program applicants will need to be existing private entities with a history of competition in multiple esports games, with a tenure of success in domestic and international tournaments. Clubs should apply as individual entities; consortiums or partnered applications are not allowed.
No, The program does not provide any competitive advantages in the tournament. All partnered clubs will follow the same rules and regulations as non-partnered clubs and have to run through the game-specific qualification systems for each title.
Clubs need to be a registered business entity in their jurisdiction and have a record of fielding multiple rosters in different game ecosystems, as well as a substantial social media following.
Applications open Monday, November 18th, 2025 on this website. Applications close on Sunday, December 18th, 2025, 11:59 PM AST.
Applicants’ competitive success across their performance at all domestic and international esports competitions, including the Esports World Cup 2025, will be evaluated in our assessment.
If your application is successful, the EWCF team managing the Program will reach out to you using the contact details you provided. All applying Clubs will be informed on the status of their application by December 18th, 2025, after the selection process has been finalized.
Please contact clubprogram@esportsworldcup.com. Please note that due to the high number of applications we cannot answer general inquiries about the current status of the application and the process.
All proprietary information included in submissions will be accessible only to the EWCF for the process of evaluating submissions.
About the Esports World Cup Foundation
The Esports World Cup (EWC) is a premier annual sporting event and global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom. The competition features a unique cross-game format that pits the world's top esports Clubs against one another for the largest prize pool in esports history. Returning to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the summer of 2026, the EWC will bring gaming and esports communities together again to crown the next Esports World Cup Club Champion.
