Esports World Cup Federation select 30 orgs to join their Support Program

6 May

Andre Guaraldo

Thirty esports clubs from around the world have been accepted into the debut Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) Club Support Program. The participating clubs represent a diverse range of regions and gaming expertise, marking a step forward in the global esports landscape.

EWCF and the first initiative of its kind

The ESCW Club Support Program aims to foster sustainable infrastructure for multidisciplinary esports clubs. By empowering these organizations, the program seeks to broaden investment opportunities across various games while nurturing talent and competitiveness worldwide.

Financial support and expansion opportunities

As members of the EWCF Club Support Program, these esports organizations stand to benefit from substantial financial backing. With six-figure funding at their disposal, clubs can venture into new gaming titles, thereby diversifying their competitive portfolio and offering more avenues for esports athletes to excel.

The full lineup of clubs includes:

100 Thieves
Black List International
Cloud9
FaZe Clan
Fnatic
Furia
G2 Esports
Gaimin Gladiators
Gen.G
Guild
Karmine Corp
KOI
LGD Gaming
LOUD
OG
Natus Vincere
Ninjas in Pyjamas
NRG Esports
Spacestation
T1
Talon
Team Falcons
Team Liquid
Team Secret
Team Vitality
TSM
Tundra
Twisted Minds
Virtus pro
Weibo Gaming

Path to the Esports World Cup through EWCF

Participation in the EWCF Club Support Program does not guarantee entry into the Esports World Cup itself. Clubs and athletes must earn their place through individual qualifications in each title. However, all program members stand to benefit from annual financial rewards based on their contributions to driving viewership and fan engagement for the Esports World Cup.

ESWF teams will also fight for a share of the 60 million dollar prize pool of the ESWC (credits: Esports World Cup)

EWCF teams will also fight for a share of the 60 million dollar prize pool of the ESWC (credits: Esports World Cup)

EWCF wants to drive innovation and engagement

The funding provided by the program enables clubs to embark on several key initiatives:

Re-entry into established titles: Clubs can re-integrate into esports titles where they have a storied history, while also branching out into new gaming genres with grassroots appeal.
Global expansion: By signing players and rosters from outside their home regions, clubs can extend their reach into international markets, contributing to the growth of a robust global esports ecosystem.
Content creation: Clubs have the resources to develop engaging content that resonates with fans, fostering stronger connections and narratives around their players and teams.

Selection process and global representation

The selection process for the EWCF Club Support Program was rigorous, with over 150 applications received during an open application period in February 2024. Clubs were evaluated based on their esports track record, competitive strategies, and commitment to fan engagement.

Saudi Arabia's emerging role in Esports

While clubs from various regions were accepted into the program, it's worth noting the growing interest and investment in esports from the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia. With substantial financial backing and a strategic vision, Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a hub for esports excellence, attracting both talent and investment to the region.

Gamers8 was the first event to showcase Saudi Arabia's commitment and potential to become an Esports Juggernaut (credits: TOR)
As these clubs embark on their journey to diversify and strengthen their competitive portfolios, they pave the way for a more inclusive and dynamic esports landscape. With Saudi Arabia's emerging role as a hub for esports excellence, the industry stands on the cusp of unprecedented growth and opportunity.

The road ahead may be paved with challenges but with a shared vision for the future, esports has the potential to captivate audiences redefine the meaning of competitive gaming forever.

Feature image credits: Esports World Cup Foundation