EWC 2025 Club Partner Program: What it means for VALORANT fans and teams

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has unveiled its 40 partnered clubs for the 2025 EWC Club Partner Program, a major initiative designed to accelerate global fan engagement and solidify the presence of top esports organizations.

With up to $1 million in funding per team and a total investment of $20 million, this program is set to reshape the competitive esports landscape ahead of the EWC - Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Biggest Teams in Esports Join the Program

The 2025 Club Partner Program features 40 organizations that collectively reach over 300 million esports fans worldwide. Some of the biggest names in esports have been selected.

For VALORANT, partnered teams include:

• 100 Thieves
• All Gamers
• Bilibili Gaming
• Cloud9
• EDward Gaming
• Fnatic
• FURIA
• G2 Esports
• Gen.G Esports
• Gentle Mates
• JD Gaming
• Karmine Corp
• Leviatán
• LOUD
• Natus Vincere
• Sentinels
• T1
• Team Liquid
• Rex Regum Qeon
• Team Secret
• Team Vitality
• Movistar KOI
• Wolves Esports
• ZETA DIVISION

All 24 of these compete at the top flight of competitive VALORANT in the regional Riot partnered leagues. This adds an exciting dimension to this year’s EWC.

What Does This Mean for Esports Fans?

The EWC Club Partner Program isn't just about funding; it's a strategic move to expand esports as a global spectacle. Teams will use this funding to create:

• Innovative Content – Behind-the-scenes documentaries, player stories, and interactive fan experiences.
• Enhanced Fan Engagement – Exclusive interviews, watch parties, and real-time interactions during EWC 2025.
• Multi-Game Expansion – While teams are known for their presence in specific games, this program encourages participation across multiple titles.

With VALORANT set to be one of the featured games at EWC 2025, this initiative could mean higher production value for content, better storytelling, and a richer esports experience for fans worldwide.

Why This Matters for VALORANT Teams

For the teams, this partnership offers a huge opportunity to expand their fanbase. Each of these organizations has already built a strong presence in VALORANT, but with EWC’s support, we could see:

• More regional watch parties and international activations
• Player-focused content that humanizes the pros behind the screen
• Deeper storytelling, similar to Riot Games’ “The Story of” series

This could also increase cross-game collaborations, allowing teams to use their expanded reach in VALORANT to connect with fans from other titles.

Admittedly, Saudi Arabia has seen some backlash due to their "sportswashing" of the esports industry. Critics argue that such investments help divert attention from human rights concerns in Saudi Arabia. From an esports perspective, however, the direct benefits to teams and fans are undeniable.

What’s Next for the EWC and Partnered Teams?

EWC 2025 kicks off in July, featuring over two dozen esports titles. While Club Partner status doesn’t guarantee participation, teams must still qualify. Albeit with extra funding, expect top-tier content, fan engagement, and storytelling.

The EWC Club Partner Program is a massive esports funding initiative benefiting top VALORANT teams. While industry motives are debated, fans can anticipate an unprecedented level of content and interaction. This summer, the EWC is reaching for new heights of esports storytelling—making EWC 2025 one of the most immersive events ever.

For all things VCT-related, make sure to stay tuned to THESPIKE.GG as we continue to update you with the freshest game and esports news.

Featured Image Source: Esports World Cup (EWC)