Esports World Cup Foundation Selects 40 Clubs for $20 Million Initiative to Boost Global Engagement

Esports World Cup Foundation Announces 40 Selected Clubs for Club Partner Program

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) made a groundbreaking announcement today by revealing the 40 esports clubs chosen for its inaugural EWCF Club Partner Program. This ambitious initiative, backed by a remarkable $20 million funding pool, seeks to foster sustainable growth and engagement within the esports community, targeting an audience of over 300 million fans worldwide.

Overview of the Program

Launched with the aim of promoting innovation and deeper fan connections, this program allows selected clubs to receive up to $1 million each in funding. The focus will be on creating captivating content and contemporary marketing strategies that enhance the clubs' visibility and audience reach in the lead-up to the prestigious Esports World Cup 2025. Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at EWCF, emphasized the program's significance as a cornerstone for developing a sustainable future for esports organizations worldwide.

Selection Process

The chosen clubs were vetted through a meticulous evaluation process involving nearly 200 applications, which assessed their competitive histories, social media engagement, and strategies for audience connection. An astounding 19 clubs are debuting in this year's program, showcasing an exciting array of participants that includes both historically significant teams and rising stars within the esports landscape.

Among these selected clubs are well-known names such as 100 Thieves, FaZe Clan, and G2 Esports, representing a dynamic spectrum of the esports industry. With six clubs hailing from China alone, the program reflects global diversity, featuring teams from high-growth markets like Japan, India, and Latin America.

Driving Global Growth

Through its modular funding strategy, participating clubs will be empowered to launch campaigns that not only engage fans but also tell enthralling stories central to the Esports World Cup. The focus on global fan growth will feature initiatives like behind-the-scenes content, player documentaries, and exclusive live fan experiences, all designed to deepen community ties and foster excitement.

Notably, EWCF's partnership with Tencent E-Sports facilitated a thorough selection process for Chinese Clubs, ensuring that teams like Bilibili Gaming and Edward Gaming represent not just themselves but the broader Chinese esports scene that boasts a staggering 125 million followers.