Investing into Global Ecosystem Growth
In 2023, the Esports World Cup Foundation launched the EWCF Club Support Program - an industry-leading initiative designed to promote sustainable planning for esports Clubs, unite global gaming fans under one collective banner, and promote the Esports World Cup across the globe, elevating the best athletes in the world. 2025, the Esports World Cup Foundation is boosting this initiative and is launching a new and enhanced version - the EWCF Club Partner Program.
Overall, the EWCF Club Partner Program will invest a total of $20M into the esports ecosystem to elevate participating Clubs on a global scale, promoting a sustainable ecosystem and enabling the growth of esports as a global sport.
Faisal bin Homran
Chief Product Officer, EWCF
“The EWCF Club Partner Program represents a significant step forward in our ongoing mission to foster a thriving ecosystem for esports Clubs worldwide while unlocking opportunities for organizations from some of the world’s fastest-growing esports markets, like China. Through this program, we enable partnered Clubs to attract fans with engaging content beyond the games, showcasing the personalities and talent of players, alongside their origin stories, while also developing their Clubs' brands as fan-favorite powerhouses in esports entertainment.”
The 2025 Club Partner Program
The updated Program, providing annual funding of US$ 20 Million to participating clubs, will expand from a total of 30 to now 40 members; it will invite up to eight top clubs from the Club Championship, and feature an open application process for the remaining 32+ spots. In this phase, we are looking for global organizations with the most potential for their brand and fanbase. Annual re-application is required for all participating Clubs going forward.
The EWCF Club Partner Program 2025 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 2025 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, watching tournaments online and experiencing live matches during the season.
We encourage Clubs all over the world to apply, as we are looking to grow esports all around the world, emphasizing key growth markets including but not limited to like China, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
How does the EWCF Club Partner Program 2025 work?
Clubs will receive a six-figure base funding to grow their organization in 2025 and activate their brand, players and fans during Esports World Cup 2025. Additional funding is provided through different activities, campaigns and bounties, leading up to EWC25, based on merit and metrics.
A Club's acceptance and participation in the program does not guarantee a spot at the Esports World Cup 2025. 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 2025 Club Partner Program through the 10th of December 2024 to 10th of January 2025. The application takes about an hour to complete and asks for key information about Club entities and legal structure, their active games, fan engagement on different social platforms as well as vision for interacting with EWC25. 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.
APPLICATION FORMS
Chinese Applications
Please note that organizations from China can apply for the EWCF Club Partner Program 2025 in a separate process.
FAQ
What is the EWCF Club Partner Program?
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.
How much funding is available to clubs through this program?
Each successful club that joins our program will be eligible to a six-figure payout directly tied to the Clubs ability to grow their following and engagement with their fans leading up to and during the Esports World Cup 2025.
How many clubs will be a part of the program?
We will accept a total of 40 clubs into the program: up to eight top Clubs from the EWC 2024 Championship ranking will receive direct invitations, while the remaining spots will be available through the open application process.
Who can apply for the EWCF Club Program?
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.
Does being part of the program guarantee a spot in the EWC tournaments?
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.
Are there any mandatory requirements for the applications?
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.
When do applications for the Program open and close?
Applications open Tuesday, December 10, 2024 on this website. Applications close on Friday, January 10th, 2025, 11:59 PM AST.
Will participation in the EWC 2024 and other esports events play a role in consideration for the program?
Applicants’ competitive success across their performance at all domestic and international esports competitions, including the inaugural Esports World Cup, will be factored into our assessment.
How will I know if my application is successful?
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 around the status of their application after the selection process has been finalized.
Who does the club need to contact if they have questions?
Please contact ewcfclubprogram@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.
About the Esports World Cup Foundation
The Esports World Cup Foundation is a nonprofit organization chartered with organizing the Esports World Cup.
The Esports World Cup is a global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom. Which features a unique cross-game competition structure that will pit the world’s top elite esports athletes against one another, across multiple game titles for the largest-ever prize pool.
Debuting in summer 2024, The Esports World Cup will return in 2025 bigger than ever. Gamers, publishers, and fans from around the globe will come together in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to crown the 2025 esports champions.