The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has opened applications for its 2026 Club Partner Program.
The initiative, operated by the Esports World Cup‘s organiser, will include $20m (~£15.2m) in funding to support 40 esports organisations from across the globe.
Announced on November 18th, 2025, the Club Partner Program aims to assist organisations in expanding fan bases across key regions, including ‘India, China, Southeast Asia, and LATAM’.
The EWCF noted that organisations applying to be part of the initiative will be chosen based on various criteria. This includes performances across several esports titles, long-term plans, and the organisation’s ability to grow a fan base through content creation and fan engagement initiatives.
“Through the EWCF Club Partner Program, we continue to invest in organisations driving esports forward and growing their fanbase together with us,” said Hans Jagnow, Director of Club and Player Relations at the EWCF.
“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.”
2026 EWCF Club Partner Program Teams
In addition to opening applications, the EWCF has unveiled the eight organisations that have received direct invitations to next year’s programme.
Two-time Esports World Cup champion Team Falcons is among the eight invited organisations to be part of the multi-million dollar programme.
In addition to the Saudi Arabian esports organisation, Team Liquid, Team Vitality, Twisted Minds, Virtus.pro, All Gamers, Gen.G, and Weibo Gaming have received invitations.
The remaining 32 places will be determined by the open application process.
Designed to build a sustainable ecosystem, the EWCF Partner Program continues to attract the biggest organisations in the world.
Last year’s edition attracted the likes of Karmine Corp, FaZe Clan, FURIA, and 100 Thieves. In total, 40 partners were selected for last year’s programme, which also featured a $20m purse.
Despite attracting several notable organisations, the Esports World Cup continues to draw criticism from the community. The annual event takes place in Saudi Arabia, a country alleged to use esports as a sportswashing tool to distract from its human rights violations.
