In a bold move, Saudi Arabia’s Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has unveiled a game-changing initiative for esports teams: the EWCF Club Support Program.
This program aims to provide substantial financial backing to 30 esports organizations from around the world, enabling them to diversify their operations and create more opportunities for professional players.
Which Teams Have Been Selected?
30 Selected teams representing five major competitive regions – Europe, North America, Asia, South America, and the Middle East.
Europe:
- Fnatic
- G2 Esports
- Guild Esports
- Karmine Corp
- KOI
- OG
- Natus Vincere
- Ninjas in Pyjamas
- Team Liquid
- Team Secret
- Team Vitality
- Tundra Esports
- Virtus.pro
North America:
- 100 Thieves
- Cloud9
- FaZe Clan
- Gaimin Gladiators
- NRG Esports
- Spacestation Gaming
- TSM
Asia:
- Blacklist International
- LGD Gaming
- Weibo Gaming
- Talon Esports
- T1
- Gen.G Esports
South America:
- Furia Esports
- LOUD
Middle East:
- Team Falcons
- Twisted Minds
How Were these Teams Selected?
The EWCF judged over 150 applicants based on three key criteria:
- Past Competitive Success: The organization’s track record and achievements in competitive esports.
- Future Strategy and Goals: The team’s vision, objectives, and plans for growth and development.
- Fan Engagement and Content: The organization’s approach to connecting with fans and creating engaging content.
However, the majority of accepted teams are from Europe and North America, underscoring the program’s strategic approach to leveraging established fanbases and credibility while simultaneously promoting Saudi Arabia’s gaming and esports initiatives.
8 of the 30 teams were selected through an open application process earlier this year, to give small organizations a chance to access these programs’ benefits.
What Are the Benefits of this Program?
Qualifying esports teams can receive six-figure financial support ($1million+ presumably) annually through the EWCF Club Support Program.
This substantial backing empowers teams to explore new avenues, expand their operations, and invest in the growth of professional players and the esports industry as a whole.
According to Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, “The Club Support Program is critical to the EWC Foundation’s vision of building a stronger esports ecosystem and elevating esports as global sports.”
Ties to the Esports World Cup
The EWCF’s Club Support Program is inherently linked to the highly anticipated Esports World Cup, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in July-August.
This global competition will feature tournaments in 19 different titles, with a record-breaking $60 million prize pool up for grabs.
Selected teams will enjoy financial backing regardless of their qualification or performance in the Esports World Cup.
They are eligible for annual financial rewards based on their ability to drive viewership and fan engagement to the Esports World Cup (that’s why select some big names).
These teams are given the tasks to bridge cultural divides and promote the event globally.
A Lifeline During Challenging Times
In recent years, the esports industry has experienced a funding shortfall, leading many teams and organizations to streamline their operations.
In this context, the EWCF Club Support Program serves as a reliable safety net, subsidizing team operations and enabling them to explore new opportunities without the constraints of financial limitations.
Teams can leverage this funding to expand into new games, scale up content creation, build fandom, and venture into unexplored markets globally, fostering growth and innovation within the esports ecosystem.
Source: VentureBeat, EWC Social Media
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