The Esports World Cup is planning on investing $20 million into separate esports clubs in 2026.
Who said playing video games competitively is not a sport? The Esports World Cup recently announced that its Club Partner Program is investing $20 million in 2026 into the global esports ecosystem, in hopes of creating more clubs and expanding the overall esports world.
This goes directly along with the Esports World Cup's involvement in the esports world, which started back in 2023. Their hopes? To create a sustainable ecosystem for the world of esports, connecting competitive gamers and fans all across the globe.
Esports World Cup to invest $20 million throughout 2026 into global esports ecosystem
The Esports World Cup, which takes place each summer in Saudi Arabia, is not backing down when it comes to expanding the world of gaming and esports. The popular organization is taking on 2026 headstrong, investing $20 million across the globe in esports markets, hoping to expand various clubs and help them expand their audience and brand.
In fact, the people who are a part of its Club Partner Program already have 40 clubs they plan to work with in 2026. These participating clubs will receive six-figure funding, priority access to the EWCF Superfan Program, and year-round collaboration opportunities to strengthen fan engagement and brand storytelling leading up to and during the Esports World Cup 2026.
This is a massive win for the world of esports, as the ecosystem has been incredibly volatile lately, moving up and down when it comes to stability.
Some of the clubs, too, will be able to participate in next summer's Esports World Cup, making the program a must for everyone to apply to. Those looking to apply can do so between November 18th, 2025, and December 18th, 2025.
Director, Club & Player Relations of the Esports World Cup shares his excitement
This investment is an exciting feat within the world of gaming, as it will help create a more stable world within esports for others to partake in. Hans Jagnow, the Director, Club & Player Relations at Esports World Cup, shared some words of excitement following the announcement.
“Through the EWCF Club Partner Program, we continue to invest in organizations driving esports forward and growing their fanbase together with us," said Jagnow. "Our focus for 2026 is to deepen our global reach, supporting Clubs as they grow their communities and bringing new audiences into the world of esports. This program is not only about sustainability, but also about building the next generation of esports fandom.”
With so much money being thrown into esports going into next year, we should hopefully see a thriving ecosystem by 2028.
Stay tuned to esports.gg for more esports news.
