At the end of last year, the Esports World Cup Foundation announced that it would expand its partner program to 40 clubs and invest $20 million, with each club receiving six-figure funding to help grow each brand. Today, those teams were officially revealed.
Teams were selected from all over the globe, including six from China and others from up-and-coming markets like Japan and India. The full lineup of teams is 100 Thieves, All Gamers, Bilibili Gaming, Cloud9, Edward Gaming, EVOS, FaZe Clan, Fnatic, FURIA, G2 Esports, Gaimin Gladiators, Gen.G, Gentle Mates, HEROIC, JD Gaming, Karmine Corp., Movistar KOI, LEVIATAN, LOUD, MOUZ, NAVI, NIP.eStar, ONIC, POWR, REJECT, S8UL, Sentinels, T1, Team BDS, Team Falcons, Team Liquid, Team RRQ, Team Secret, Team Spirit, Team Vitality, Twisted Minds, Virtus.pro, Weibo Gaming, Wolves Esports, ZETA DIVISION.
Clubs were selected based on numerous qualifications, ranging from competitive track record in the Club Championship in 2024 to fan engagement. Just because they made it this year doesn’t mean each club’s partnership is locked in.
Membership in the EWCF Club Partner Program is subject to annual renewal in line with the Program’s requirements, reflecting the dynamic nature of the esports industry. Of the 40 teams, 19 are joining for the first time, with 21 returning from its inaugural year.
Many of these teams are already preparing for the Esports World Cup 2025, which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Players and teams are in the midst of competing in multiple qualifiers throughout specific global regions, featuring three formats: a knockout stage, a points rush, and a grand final.
The Esports World Cup 2025 will take place from June 2025 to August 2025 and will feature a $60 million prize pool, with each game offering $1,250,000, spread across 1st through 16th place. You can take a look at the full list of currently announced titles here.
