The highly anticipated Esports World Cup 2025 (EWC) is just around the corner. Hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this global esports event will bring together the best professional players and teams from around the world to compete in elite tournaments. However, before the action begins, the EWC Foundation had one major announcement to make: revealing the 40 teams selected for the EWC Foundation program.
What is the EWC Foundation?
The EWC Foundation is a partner program established by the Esports World Cup to support and elevate competitive gaming organizations. Each year, a select number of teams are chosen to receive financial backing, helping them expand their audience, strengthen their brand, and enter new esports titles.
In 2024, the program started with 30 teams, but for 2025, the number has increased to 40 teams, marking a significant expansion in the initiative’s scope and reach.
The 2025 EWC Foundation Partners
This year, the EWC Foundation has made a strategic shift, opting to support a more globally diverse roster of teams rather than exclusively backing well-established organizations. This decision has opened doors for teams from China, Latin America, Japan, and India, broadening the competitive landscape.
Soure: EWC
New Teams Joining the EWC Foundation in 2025:
- All Gamers
- Bilili Gaming
- EDG Gaming
- EVOS
- Gentle Mates
- Heroic
- JD Gaming
- Leviatán
- MOUZ
- ONIC
- Powr
- Reject
- S8EL
- Team BDS
- Team RRQ
- ZETA Division
- Wolves Esports
Teams Leaving the EWC Foundation in 2025:
- LGD
- Talon
- TSM
- Spacestation
- Tundra
- NRG
- Blacklist International
A New Era for Esports
Faisal Bin Homran, the EWC Foundation’s Product Director, commented on the selection process:
“The 40 partner clubs this year represent a diverse and dynamic selection of the global esports landscape, including legacy organizations, rising stars, and powerhouse teams that collectively define the rich history and rapidly evolving future of the industry.”
Key Factors in Team Selection:
The selection process for the EWC Foundation program is based on several critical factors, including:
- Commitment to Esports Growth – Teams must demonstrate dedication to esports development and sustainability.
- Performance in Competitive Titles – High-level competition in multiple esports titles is a key criterion.
- Global Audience Expansion – Organizations that engage new audiences worldwide are prioritized.
- Brand Strength and Influence – The ability to build a strong and recognizable esports brand plays a major role.
The Future of the EWC Foundation
The EWC Foundation remains an annual program, with slots being reviewed and renewed every year based on performance and global impact. The initiative not only fosters competition at the highest level but also creates opportunities for emerging organizations to establish themselves in the esports scene.
The EWC Foundation 2025 marks a pivotal moment for the esports industry, setting the stage for another thrilling year of competition.