In preparation for the Esports World Cup 2026, the Esports World Cup Foundation continues to invest in esports organizations through the Club Partner Program. Building on the program’s success in 2025, it allows orgs to expand their audiences and strengthen fan engagement.
As of Nov. 18, the applications for the 2026 EWCF Club Partner Program are open. It follows the same format as 2025, with a $20 million commitment for 40 leading esports organizations. Each Club receives a performance-based six-figure funding, depending on the ability to grow its following leading up to and during the Esports World Cup 2026.
Eight organizations will be invited based on their performance in the 2025 Esports World Cup. That includes Team Falcons, Team Liquid, Team Vitality, Twisted Minds, Virtus.pro, AG.AL, Gen.G Esports, and Weibo Gaming. The remaining spots will be filled through the open application process, with the full list revealed in January 2026.
According to Hans Jagnow, director of Club and player relations at EWCF, the 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.” In 2026, participating organizations can expect a bigger Super Fan Program with co-branded campaigns to identify and reward their top fans.
Debuting in 2025, the Super Fan Program is designed to recognize and reward the most dedicated supporters of the partnered Clubs. The program brought nearly 2,000 fans to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to support their teams at the Esports World Cup 2025.
To be considered for the 2026 EWCF Club Partner Program, the organization must “show high levels of fan engagement and creative excellence.” It needs a track record of competing in both domestic and international tournaments, as well as a substantial social media following.
The EWCF Club Partner Program is an annual membership, which means the teams that were part of it in 2025 need to reapply for 2026. It also doesn’t guarantee a spot at the Esports World Cup 2026. Teams must qualify through traditional methods for each game.
