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The Esports World Cup Foundation has officially unveiled the third iteration of its Club Partner Program, announcing the 40 professional gaming organizations chosen for the Esports World Cup 2026. The updated list reflects a change in the program’s membership, with several well-known organizations from the previous year not making the cut for the current cohort. This shift has opened the door for new participants to join the partner ecosystem.
Selection сriteria and сompetitive merit
The composition of the 2026 program was determined through a thorough evaluation process that considered both past performance and future growth potential. Unlike before, the 2026 selection process featured two distinct pathways for entry.
Eight organizations received direct invitations based on their performance in the 2025 EWC Club Championship. These invitations were a recognition of their consistent excellence across various gaming titles in the previous year. The remaining 32 spots were filled through an open application process that attracted over 150 applicants worldwide.
The updated roster shows significant changes in the program’s partnership base. Several top-tier organizations that were partners in the previous season have been left out of the 2026 lineup. Notably, Karmine Corp and Gaimin Gladiators are among those absent from the official partner list. Other well-known brands like LOUD and FaZe Clan are also missing this year.
Esports Foundation Club Partner Program 2026
Financial framework and resource allocation
The 2026 Club Partner Program has a total budget of $20 million. Each of the 40 selected clubs is eligible to receive up to $1 million for the season under the current terms. This funding is intended to support the clubs’ internal operations, including investments in player welfare, coaching staff, and content production facilities.
Since the program’s inception three years ago, the EWCF has distributed a total of $100 million to participating organizations. The 2026 funding model focuses on expanding club brands and reaching new audiences. In addition to financial support, the program offers strategic guidance and international exposure through the Foundation’s media channels and event platforms.
Global reach and demographic impact
The 2026 program showcases a diverse geographical representation. The selected organizations hail from North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and India.
The 40 partner clubs collectively reach over 300 million fans worldwide, according to the Foundation’s estimates. By partnering with organizations that hold cultural significance in their regions, the EWCF aims to strengthen the bond between local gaming communities and the global competitive scene. The program emphasizes “storytelling” to engage viewers by highlighting players’ journeys and team identities.
The qualification mandate and competitive integrity
A key aspect of the Club Partner Program is the separation of financial support from competitive access. Membership in the program does not guarantee participation in the Esports World Cup 2026 tournaments. All partner clubs must earn their place through the established “Road to EWC” qualification paths.
This requirement upholds the competitive integrity of the World Cup. Organizations must compete in open and closed qualifiers against non-partner teams to secure their spot on the main stage.
The upcoming Esports World Cup 2026, the third edition of the series, is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 6 to August 23. Read the full event details, including new and returning titles, prize pool changes, and more.