By Sagar V. Mankar 
The Esports World Cup (EWC) made a significant mark in its debut year, not only hosting one of the largest esports tournaments ever but also introducing a Club Partner Program.
This initiative aimed to financially support top esports organizations that fielded multiple teams across various titles. Now, as the event returns in 2025, the Club Partner Program is back with notable changes and even larger rewards.
Highlights:
Main Program Updates:
- Expanding from 30 to 40 participating teams in 2025
- Total investment of $20 million available to clubs
- Top teams can earn up to $1 million per year
- Base reward is “six-figure” funding for all participating clubs
- Applications open until January 10, 2025
Selection Process:
- Eight top clubs from EWC 2024 Championship receive direct invites
- Remaining spots filled through application process
- Over 175 teams applied last year, more expected for 2025
- Teams must be “highly competitive, multi-game organizations with strong brands”
- Top clubs like Team Liquid and T1 have already secured spots.
Focus on Emerging Esports Markets:
- Priority regions include China, Southeast Asia, LATAM, and MENA.
- Emphasis on mobile gaming communities and growing player bases.
Partner Requirements:
- Create content during tournament
- Share event with their audiences
- Promote esports to broader audience
- Must demonstrate “established track record of elite competitive performance”
- Need a substantial social media presence
What’s New in the 2025 Club Partner Program?
For the upcoming year, the program will expand from 30 to 40 teams. The top eight clubs from the 2024 EWC Club Championship will receive direct invites, while the remaining spots will be filled through an open application process. Esports organizations worldwide are encouraged to apply in the coming weeks.
Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), explained, “The 2025 phase of the program is expanded to 40 clubs with a $20 million investment aimed at growing global esports fanbases, particularly in high-growth regions like China, Southeast Asia, LATAM, and MENA.”
Focus on Emerging Esports Markets
While Europe and the US have traditionally dominated the esports scene, the 2025 program emphasizes growth in emerging regions. China, Southeast Asia, LATAM, and MENA have seen rapid growth in gaming communities, largely driven by mobile gaming platforms.
Bin Homran highlighted this focus, stating, “These regions have thriving communities with millions of players and viewers. The EWCF’s mission is to unite players, clubs, and fans globally, and the Club Partner Program plays a crucial role in achieving this goal.”
Incentives for Partnered Clubs
The program isn’t just about direct funding. Partnered teams will receive six-figure base rewards and additional funding tied to their performance in content creation, fan engagement, and promotional activities. The most successful teams could earn up to $1 million annually.
Application Process and Selection Criteria
With over 175 applications received last year, competition for a spot in the program is fierce. Clubs need to demonstrate elite competitive performance across multiple titles, a strong social media presence, and the ability to engage a global fanbase.
Top clubs like Team Liquid and T1 have already secured their spots, thanks to their outstanding track records. However, most organizations will need to go through the application process, which remains open until January 10, 2025.
Beyond Prize Pools: Building a Sustainable Esports Ecosystem
While EWC has been known for its massive prize pools—$60 million in 2024—the Club Partner Program represents a shift toward sustainability. Instead of focusing solely on competition prizes, this initiative aims to support organizations holistically, enabling them to grow their fanbases and strengthen their brands.
Bin Homran emphasized, “We aim to partner with the biggest esports brands globally and grow sustainably beyond competitive success.”
For more information, visit the official Esports World Cup. And remember to subscribe to Gaming Foodle for more news!