EWCF Starts $20M Global Partner Program 2025 for Esports Clubs
– 1 min read
In 2025, a total of 40 teams will benefit from next years Partner Program introduced by the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF). However, inclusion in the program does not guarantee a direct entry to the next Esports World Cup; teams will still need to secure their spots through standard qualification tournaments.
This initiative represents more than just a continuation of the EWCF's existing partner program. Compared to the current year, an additional ten teams will receive support in 2025. The revamped program will allocate 40 spots for esports clubs worldwide, inviting the top eight clubs from the Club Championship, with the remaining 32 places open for application.
The EWCF plans to invest a total of $20 million in this year's program. Funding will not be distributed equally; instead, it will be based on performance, event participation, and other factors. Nonetheless, the EWCF has pledged a minimum six-figure financial support for each selected team.
The application window is open until January 10, followed by an evaluation phase to finalize the selection.
To qualify, clubs must be registered as a business entity in their respective jurisdictions. Additionally, applicants are expected to demonstrate not only participation in past competitions but also measurable success, as performance will play a key role in the evaluation.
The EWCF has emphasized that participation in the partner program does not act as a wildcard for the Esports World Cup. As stated on the EWCF website: "All Clubs will be required to qualify through traditional methods to earn their spot in each game’s EWC tournament."
"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", says Faisal bin Homran, Chief Product Officer of EWCF.
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Stephan Steininger is Director of Operations and Editor-in-Chief of GamesMarket. He was one of the founding editors and is part of the magazine since its inception in 2001, he knows the GSA games industry by heart.
