ESPORTS WORLD CUP FOUNDATION (EWCF) has opened applications for the 2026 EWCF Club Partner Program, reinforcing its long-term commitment to developing a sustainable and internationally connected esports ecosystem.
The $20 million program builds on foundations laid in previous cycles, combining EWCF’s financial backing, strategic support and global visibility to accelerate the growth of professional esports organisations.
For 2026, EWCF will support 40 esports Clubs, helping them expand global reach and strengthen fan engagement across key markets such as India, China, Southeast Asia and LATAM.
Eight Clubs will receive direct invitations based on their 2025 Esports World Cup Championship rankings. Subject to acceptance, the invited Clubs are: Team Falcons, Team Liquid, Team Vitality, Twisted Minds, Virtus.pro, AG.AL, Gen.G Esports and Weibo Gaming. The remaining slots will be filled through the open application process, with Clubs evaluated on competitive performance across multiple titles, long-term organisational vision and their ability to grow and engage communities through content and fan-focused initiatives.
In 2025, nearly 200 applications were reviewed, with 40 Clubs selected representing China, Japan, India and LATAM. Nineteen Clubs joined the program for the first time, while 21 returned from the inaugural cohort, demonstrating both continuity and rising influence in the global esports landscape.
Last year’s program helped Clubs reach more than 330 million fans, including 125 million in China, through campaigns and community-driven activations. Notable initiatives included the Superfan program, which brought 2,000 fans to Riyadh, and the Open Innovation Challenge, which encouraged new revenue and engagement ideas ranging from G2’s jersey launch into space, to REJECT’s anime film, and Karmine Corp’s art project, per the EWCF media release.
EWCF director, club and player relations Hans Jagnow 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.”
Applications for esports Clubs worldwide are open until 18 December at esportsworldcup.com/clubprogram.
