Esports World Cup Foundation Expands Partner Program to 40 Clubs, Supports Ecosystem with $20 Million in Funding

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) today announced the next iteration of its pioneering initiative to support the Club ecosystem, the EWCF Club Partner Program. The Program, developed in 2023 to promote sustainable growth for esports organizations, will expand from 30 to 40 Clubs and boasts a $20 million investment to grow the global esports fanbase. Starting today, esports Clubs worldwide can apply at esportsworldcup.com/clubprogram until January 10, 2025.
Clubs accepted into the annual program will receive six-figure funding to grow their organization’s brand in 2025 and activate their fanbase leading up to and during the Esports World Cup 2025. 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 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.

Faisal bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “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 EWCF Club Partner Program is available to 40 Clubs: 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. This year the Program doubles down on international expansion, emphasizing key growth markets like China, Southeast Asia, LATAM and MENA.
“By taking part in the EWC Club Partner Program this year, we had opportunities to further invest in our players, operations and community, creating an environment where we could perform at our best and compete at the highest level,” said Joe Marsh, CEO, T1. “This program is a true global initiative that unites clubs to help build a stronger and more sustainable esports ecosystem. We’re excited about the Club Partner Program in 2025, and how it will help us elevate T1 to even greater heights.”

Steve Arhancet, Co-CEO, Team Liquid) added: “The inaugural program was an invaluable resource for our club, providing meaningful support that strengthened our decision-making to expand into new game titles. It contributed to one of the most successful competitive years in our 24-year history, including a strong second-place finish in the EWC 2024 Club Championship in 24'. We’re excited for the EWCF Club Partner Program in 2025 and the opportunities it brings while we continue to maintain our position as one of the most watched esports teams in the world.”

Membership in the EWCF Club Partner Program is subject to annual renewal, in line with the Program’s requirements, reflecting the dynamic nature of the esports industry. 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.
All participating Clubs will be announced in February 2025 following the completion of the selection process.

To learn more about the EWC Club Partner Program and to apply, go to esportsworldcup.com/clubprogram.
Follow the Esports World Cup Foundation on LinkedIn for the latest announcements about Esports World Cup 2025.

About The Esports World Cup Foundation

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) is a non-profit dedicated to shaping the future of esports on a global scale and tasked with the organization of the annual Esports World Cup. The Esports World Cup is a premier annual sporting event and global celebration of competitive excellence and esports fandom. The competition features a unique cross-game structure that pits the world's top esports clubs and players against one another for the largest prize pool in esports history. The inaugural Esports World Cup in 2024 united 1,500 elite athletes from 100 countries and 200 clubs, competing across 21 game titles for a life-changing $60 million prize pool. The world’s largest esports event welcomed 2.6 million visitors to Riyadh and 500 online viewers, connecting fans with the best games, players and teams. Returning in the summer of 2025, gamers, publishers, and fans from around the globe will come together in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to crown the next Esports World Cup Club Champion. The EWCF Club Partner Program was developed in late 2023 as the EWCF Club Support Program, to promote sustainable growth for esports organizations. The original version of the program was available to 30 Clubs, with 22 receiving direct invitation, and eight selected from over 175 applications.

Esports World Cup Foundation media contact:

The Story Mob

EWC@thestorymob.com