Esports World Cup Foundation announces 40 Clubs selected for its $20 million Club Partner program, uniting over 300 million esports fans worldwide

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Two weeks ago, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) revealed the top 40 esports clubs that have been chosen for its Club Partner Program. This pioneering program, which sets the standard in the industry, aims at fostering the long-term development of esports organizations. The $20 million initiative provides participating clubs with a chance to secure up to $1 million in funding. This money can be used to boost their brand and increase their global fanbase through creative content and marketing strategies in the build-up to and during the Esports World Cup 2025.

Utilizing the resources provided by EWCF, these 40 Partner Clubs, with a combined fan base of more than 300 million people worldwide, will stimulate global expansion by generating engaging content and experiences that strengthen their bond with fans on a global scale. This involves exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses, player documentaries, live events, and other exciting initiatives designed to captivate their communities. The 2025 program provides flexible funding for campaigns centered around fan engagement, storytelling related to EWC, and innovation driven by the clubs themselves.

The Esports World Cup Foundation’s Club Partner Program serves as a crucial pillar in our vision to establish a long-term, eco-friendly future for esports clubs globally, offering chances for organizations from burgeoning markets across the globe. This year alone, we have 40 partnered clubs that reflect an eclectic and vibrant mix of international esports, encompassing established names, promising newcomers, and titans that collectively embody the storied past and rapid transformation of the industry. By supporting their development, this program empowers clubs to broaden their fan base, bolster their identities, and increase visibility through content focused on fans, thus shaping the future of esports as a global sport and mainstream entertainment phenomenon, as articulated by Faisal Bin Homran, Esports World Cup Foundation’s Chief Product Officer.

For the 2025 EWCF Club Partner Program, there’s a significant international representation, with six clubs hailing from high-growth regions such as China, along with partners from dynamic markets like Japan, India, and Latin America.

The full lineup of Clubs:

100 Thieves, all gaming organizations, Bilibili Gaming, Cloud9, Edward Gaming, EVOS, FaZe Clan, Fnatic, FURIA, G2 Esports, Gaimin Gladiators, Gen.G, Gentle Mates, HEROIC, JD Gaming, Karmine Corp., Movistar KOI, LEVIATAN, LOUD, MOUZ, NAVI, NIP.eStar, ONIC, POWR, REJECT, S8UL, Sentinels, T1, Team BDS, Team Falcons, Team Liquid, Team RRQ, Team Secret, Team Spirit, Team Vitality, Twisted Minds, Virtus.pro, Weibo Gaming, Wolves Esports, ZETA DIVISION. These are various gaming teams from around the world.

The selection of all participating clubs underwent a thorough examination involving approximately 200 applications. This evaluation focused on several key areas such as their competitive history in the 2024 Club Championship, their versatility across various games, their online presence, audience interaction, and strategies to engage their global esports following.

Eight clubs secured direct invitations due to their strong performance in the EWC 2024 Club Championship rankings. The remaining positions were distributed via an open application process. Among these, nineteen clubs will be making their debut, while twenty-one teams are returning from the initial year.

The rapid growth of esports is unprecedented, and the EWCF Club Partner Program is playing a pivotal role by equipping clubs for expansion, fan interaction, and top-tier competition. The EWC 2024 event was a significant milestone for us—scoring points in five games, earning two podium finishes, and placing fourth at the Club Championship. The magnitude and excitement of the event demonstrated the far-reaching impact of esports. We’re thrilled to be back in the program, propelled by the French fans’ unwavering support and motivation as we strive to enhance our performance, conquer numerous tournaments, and proudly display Team Vitality’s colors on the biggest stage in the world of esports. – said Fabien “Neo” Devide, Chairman and co-founder of Team Vitality.

Speaking as a rapidly expanding esports company in North America, we’re thrilled to be part of the EWCF Club Partner Program. Building on our triumphant 2024 performance—with a notable victory in VALORANT and a surge in followers across our social media platforms, captivating millions of fans not just in North America but globally—the integration of VALORANT into the Esports World Cup presents an opportune moment for us to officially collaborate. This partnership will enable us to generate fresh, engaging content that can reach an even broader audience. – Rob Moore, Sentinels CEO.

From the very beginning, All Gamers has been relentlessly pursuing esports greatness, working tirelessly for more than two decades. Our teams have achieved major victories in popular games and molded legends within the scene. Competing against the world’s elite at the 2024 EWC, that determination remains unwavering. As a new member of EWCF’s Club Partner Program, we aspire for global fans to remember Chinese esports through All Gamers as more than just spectacular comebacks; instead, they will witness our team’s indomitable spirit, overcoming obstacles with tenacity and poise. It is this blend of resilience and elegance – that’s China’s unique contribution to the international esports arena. As stated by Le Kedeng, Chairman of All Gamers.

Membership for the EWCF Club Partner Program must be renewed every year, as per the program’s specifications, reflecting the fast-paced evolution of the esports world. Being part of the program doesn’t automatically secure a place at the Esports World Cup 2025. Instead, all participating clubs need to go through official qualification processes to earn their spot in each game’s EWC tournament.

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2025-04-10 15:32