RIYADH: The Esports World Cup Foundation announced the opening of applications for the 2026 EWCF Club Partner Program, reaffirming its long-term commitment to supporting a sustainable and globally connected esports ecosystem.

The $20 million initiative extends a proven framework established over previous editions that combines EWCF’s financial investment, strategic guidance and international exposure to accelerate the growth of professional esports organizations.

EWCF will support 40 world-leading esports clubs as part of the 2026 program, enabling them to expand their global audiences and strengthen fan engagement across key growth regions, including India, China, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

Applications for esports clubs worldwide are open until Dec. 18, 2025, at esportsworldcup.com/clubprogram.

Eight clubs will receive direct invitations based on their performance in the 2025 Esports World Cup Championship ranking. For 2026, the following clubs will be invited, subject to their acceptance: Team Falcons, Team Liquid, Team Vitality, Twisted Minds, Virtus.pro, AG.AL, Gen.G Esports and Weibo Gaming. The remaining places will be filled through the open application process. Clubs will be assessed on competitive excellence across multiple game titles, long-term vision, and the ability to engage and grow their communities through content and fan-centered initiatives.

The program will offer selected clubs modular funding for campaigns that reach their audiences, enable innovation, and strengthen clubs’ brands and business growth opportunities.

In 2025, the EWCF Club Partner Program reviewed almost 200 applications and selected 40 clubs, including representatives from China, Japan, India and Latin America. Nineteen joined for the first time, and 21 returned from the inaugural cohort, reflecting the program’s continuity and growing influence across the global esports ecosystem.

The 2025 EWCF Program enabled clubs to connect with more than 330 million fans, including 125 million in China, through campaigns and community initiatives. The clubs’ Superfan program brought 2,000 fans to Riyadh, while the Open Innovation Challenge enabled clubs explore new revenue streams and fan experiences, from G2’s jersey launch into space to REJECT’s anime film and Karmine Corp’s art program.

Hans Jagnow, director of club and player relations at the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “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 EWCF Club Partner Program has allowed All Gamers to expand our global fanbase and competitive reach,” said Layne Le, chairman of All Gamers. “At the Esports World Cup 2025, we took on new titles, won championships in Honor of Kings and CrossFire, and finished sixth in the Club Championship race, up 12 places from last year. It opened doors, built our community, and helped make All Gamers a recognized global name beyond our home market.”

“At G2, we see ourselves as an entertainment brand as much as a competitive club,” said Alban Dechelotte, CEO of G2. “The EWCF Club Partner program gave us a platform to think creatively, experiment, connect with fans in new ways, and reach new audiences. From launching a rocket into space with G2 memorabilia, to competing across more titles than ever, the program helped us grow as a club and turn performance into an experience the whole community can share.”

Membership in the EWCF Club Partner Program is renewed annually, in line with the dynamic nature of esports. Acceptance into the program does not guarantee qualification for the Esports World Cup 2026; all clubs must earn their place through each game’s competition pathway.

A list of selected clubs will be announced in January 2026, following completion of the evaluation process.