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Esports World Cup Foundation selects 40 clubs for $20m partner program

Esports World Cup Foundation selects 40 clubs for $20m partner program
The Esports World Cup Foundation announced the top 40 esports clubs that have been accepted into the EWCF Club Partner Program, an industry-leading initiative designed to promote the growth of esports organizations. (Supplied)
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Updated 18 March 2025

Esports World Cup Foundation selects 40 clubs for $20m partner program

Esports World Cup Foundation selects 40 clubs for $20m partner program
  • The $20 million program will offer chosen clubs up to $1 million in funding to expand their brand
  • The 2025 program offers modular funding for campaigns that engage fans, tell EWC-related stories and enable club-driven innovation

RIYADH: The Esports World Cup Foundation announced the top 40 esports clubs that have been accepted into the EWCF Club Partner Program, an industry-leading initiative designed to promote the growth of esports organizations.
The $20 million program will offer chosen clubs up to $1 million in funding to expand their brand and grow their global audience through innovative content and marketing campaigns, leading up to and throughout the Esports World Cup 2025.
Faisal bin Homran, chief product officer at the Esports World Cup Foundation, said that the organization’s mission is to build a sustainable future for esports clubs worldwide while creating opportunities for organizations from some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
“This year’s 40 partnered clubs represent a diverse and dynamic cross-section of global esports, spanning legacy organizations, rising stars and global powerhouses that collectively define the rich history and the rapidly evolving future of the industry. By investing in their growth, the program will enable clubs to expand their audience and reach, strengthen their brands and gain greater visibility through fan-first content, shaping the future of esports as a global sport and mainstream entertainment.â€
The 40 partner clubs, reaching more than 300 million fans, will drive global growth by creating compelling experiences and content that deepen their connection with fans worldwide, including behind-the-scenes production, player documentaries and live fan experiences that excite their communities. The 2025 program offers modular funding for campaigns that engage fans, tell EWC-related stories and enable club-driven innovation.
The 2025 EWCF Club Partner Program represents a global roster, including six clubs from China, alongside additions from rapidly expanding markets like Japan, India and Latin America. The full lineup 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 and ZETA DIVISION.
The 2025 Club Program applications in China were supported by Tencent E-Sports, which facilitated the process for 20 clubs that have applied.
Six clubs were selected, including All Gamers, Bilibili Gaming, Edward Gaming, JD Gaming, Weibo Gaming and Wolves Esports — China’s most dominant teams, engaging more than 125 million Chinese fans through gaming, entertainment and lifestyle content. Additionally, eStar, as part of NIP, has also been added to the lineup, further serving the expansion of the Club Partner Program in China and activating Chinese fans.
All clubs were selected through a rigorous evaluation process that reviewed almost 200 applications, included assessing their competitive track record in the Club Championship in 2024, their potential across multiple games, social media presence, fan engagement and their strategic plans for activating their global esports audience.
Eight clubs received direct invitations based on their EWC 2024 Club Championship ranking, while the remaining spots were allocated through an open application process. Nineteen clubs joined for the first time, and 21 returned from the inaugural year.
Fabien “Neo†Devide, chairman and co-founder of Team Vitality, said that esports is evolving faster than ever, and the EWCF Club Partner Program is driving that evolution by giving clubs the tools to grow, engage fans and compete at the highest level.
He added: “EWC 2024 was a defining moment for us — winning points in five games, two podium finishes and securing a top-four finish at the Club Championship. The scale and energy of the event proved just how influential esports has become. We’re proud to be part of the program again, fueled by the enthusiasm of French fans who continue to support and inspire us as we look to elevate our game, win as many tournaments as possible and carry Team Vitality’s colors high on the biggest stage in esports.â€
Mosaad Al-Dossary, co-founder and chairman of Team Falcons, said that the return of the EWCF Club Partner Program highlights the growing impact of esports and its expanding influence in engaging fans globally.
“Following our Esports World Cup victory, we understand the dedication required to compete at the highest level, and º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s pioneering role in the esports and gaming industry continues to set the standard. We look forward to once again competing among the best and securing another win to make our country proud,†he added.
Ibraheem Al-Tamimi, founder and CEO of POWR, said that the team is excited to be part of the EWCF Club Partner Program and to compete on the grand stage of the Esports World Cup this summer.
“This initiative presents a fantastic opportunity to grow our fan base and reach millions of fans. As we make our debut at the EWC, we look forward to showcasing our talent, representing our country and contributing to the continued growth of the global esports ecosystem,†he added.
The Esports World Cup 2025 will unite gaming and esports communities in Riyadh, º£½ÇÖ±²¥, for a global competition that will crown the next Esports World Cup Champion. The tournament’s unique cross-game format will reward clubs and players competing for a life-changing prize pool across a mix of platforms and genres, bringing together esports’ best teams, players and games under one banner in the largest-ever celebration of esports.


La Liga players plan to protest league decision to stage a game in Miami

La Liga players plan to protest league decision to stage a game in Miami
Updated 17 October 2025

La Liga players plan to protest league decision to stage a game in Miami

La Liga players plan to protest league decision to stage a game in Miami
  • Players plan to pause for 15 seconds after kickoff in games in the ninth round held from Friday through Monday
  • The union said the captains of the 20 top-flight sides were in agreement with the protest

BARCELONA: La Liga players will protest this weekend the league’s decision to hold a regular season game in Miami, the Spanish soccer players’ union said on Friday.
Players plan to pause for 15 seconds after kickoff in games in the ninth round held from Friday through Monday, Spanish media reported.
The players’ union said in a statement that the “players will protest in a symbolic fashion to denounce the lack of transparency, dialogue and coherence of La Liga regarding the possibility of playing a game in the United States.â€
La Liga made official last week its plans to hold the Barcelona-Villarreal game in Miami on Dec. 20.
The union said the captains of the 20 top-flight sides were in agreement with the protest. But the union added it had not asked the Barcelona and Villarreal players to participate in the protest, even though, the union said “they share the basic premise of the protest.â€
The ninth round kicked off on Friday with Oviedo hosting Espanyol.
Barcelona players and coach not happy
Earlier Friday, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, and his players were not pleased at having to travel 7,200 kilometers (4,500 miles) to play a regular season game.
“My players are not happy, I am not happy, but La Liga decided that we will play this game,†Flick said at a press conference in reply to a question about his position on the game.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has defended the move by saying it represents an opportunity to further push into the American sports market.
But for Flick and his players, it represents added travel before a short winter break. Barcelona will also travel to º£½ÇÖ±²¥ for the Spanish Super Cup starting on Jan. 7.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong also criticized playing the game in the US, saying players were already overloaded with travel and a packed playing calendar.
Like Barcelona, Villarreal was also playing in the Champions League.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has defended the game abroad as a key to boosting “revenues in the mid- to long-term†and increasing the value of his competition’s television rights, which lag behind those of England’s Premier League.
Tebas said the league plans to make an international match an annual event.
The match will be at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, home of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.
The league has chartered planes to take to Florida what it estimates will be 2,000 to 3,000 fans from Villarreal, which is the home team.


Milan confirm Pulisic hamstring injury on US duty

Milan confirm Pulisic hamstring injury on US duty
Updated 17 October 2025

Milan confirm Pulisic hamstring injury on US duty

Milan confirm Pulisic hamstring injury on US duty
  • “An MRI scan performed today revealed a low-grade tear in his right hamstring,†Milan said
  • Pulisic “will be reevaluated in approximately 10 daysâ€

MILAN: Christian Pulisic was confirmed by AC Milan on Friday to have injured his right hamstring while playing in a friendly for the United States this week.
“An MRI scan performed today revealed a low-grade tear in his right hamstring,†Milan said, adding Pulisic “will be reevaluated in approximately 10 days.â€
Injuries like that can heal in as few as three weeks and a city derby against Inter Milan on Nov. 23 is one target for Pulisic’s return. He has starred this season for Milan which are third in Serie A.
Pulisic seemed to overstretch his right leg when tackled in the first half of a 2-1 win Tuesday against Australia at the Colorado Rapids’ stadium.
The US have friendlies scheduled for Nov. 15 and 18 against Paraguay and Uruguay which, like Australia, have both qualified for the first 48-team World Cup.
The US will co-host the tournament with Canada and Mexico.
The US team’s next competitive game is their World Cup opener on June 12 at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles. The draw is Dec. 5 in Washington, D.C.


Jenni Hermoso recalled by new Spain women’s coach for Nations League semifinals

Jenni Hermoso recalled by new Spain women’s coach for Nations League semifinals
Updated 17 October 2025

Jenni Hermoso recalled by new Spain women’s coach for Nations League semifinals

Jenni Hermoso recalled by new Spain women’s coach for Nations League semifinals
  • The forward for Mexican club Tigres has not played for Spain in a year
  • New Spain coach Sonia Bermúdez recalled the 35-year-old Hermoso to her squad on Friday

MADRID: Spain’s all-time top scorer Jenni Hermoso will return to the national team after being included in the first squad named by their new coach.
Hermoso made global headlines when she denounced being kissed against her wishes by the former president of Spain’s soccer federation during the awards ceremony of the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Sydney, Australia.
The forward for Mexican club Tigres has not played for Spain in a year and was dropped from the team ahead of the 2024 European Championship, when the world champions finished runners-up.
New Spain coach Sonia Bermúdez recalled the 35-year-old Hermoso to her squad on Friday. Bermúdez replaced former coach Montse Tomé, whose contract was not renewed by the federation after the Euros in August.
The kiss by former boss Luis Rubiales led to calls for a national reckoning over sexism in sport and to his conviction for sexual assault in February.
Bermúdez also recalled Barcelona central defender Mapi León, who has not played for Spain since she was part of a player revolt against then former coach Jorge Vilda in September 2022.
Vilda kept his job through the 2023 Women’s World Cup but was fired shortly afterward when he backed Rubiales. Tomé, his assistant, took his place.
Bermúdez will debut as Spain’s coach in the Women’s Nations League semifinals against Sweden on Oct. 24. The second leg will be in Sweden four days later. Germany and France meet in the other semifinal.


Cape Verde erupts in celebration after first World Cup qualification

Cape Verde erupts in celebration after first World Cup qualification
Updated 17 October 2025

Cape Verde erupts in celebration after first World Cup qualification

Cape Verde erupts in celebration after first World Cup qualification
  • In the street, people danced to the sound of reggae tunes and local funana music.
  • Congratulating Cape Verde on their “historic moment,†FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the achievement was likely to “power a new generation of football lovers“

PRAIA, Cape Verde: A carnival-like atmosphere erupted in the streets of Cape Verde’s capital Praia recently after the tiny archipelago nation qualified for the World Cup for the first time.
Honking horns and street fireworks greeted euphoric fans pouring out of the Cape Verde National Stadium following the 3-0 victory over Eswatini, which secured the Blue Sharks a place in the 2026 finals, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In the street, people danced to the sound of reggae tunes and local funana music.

It was “an incredible moment,†37-year-old fan Jorge Junior Livramento told AFP near the stadium.
“I don’t have words. I was at the stadium and I supported our team unconditionally,†he said.
Congratulating Cape Verde on their “historic moment,†FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the achievement was likely to “power a new generation of football lovers†across the nation.
Cape Verde, located off the coast of Senegal, is the country with the smallest population to represent Africa in the global showpiece, with just 550,000 inhabitants.
It becomes the second-least populous nation to reach the World Cup, after Iceland, with just over 350,000, at Russia 2018.

- ‘Victory for all’ -

“I shouted a lot during the match and now my voice is bad, but I am happy,†Praia resident Jose Vieira told AFP after the victory, which he watched live in the stadium.
The celebrations were expected to continue into the night with a concert at Praia’s municipal stadium featuring local artists such as Djodje and Soraia Ramos.


Blue Sharks Coach Pedro “Bubista†Brito told the press that “giving this happiness to these people is enormous,†adding that “it’s a victory for all the Cape Verdean people.â€
Cape Verde won Group D with 23 points, four more than Cameroon, who hold the African record for World Cup appearances with eight. Cameroon drew 0-0 with Angola in Yaounde.
An archipelago of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Verde gained independence from Portugal in 1975 and first attempted to reach the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
“It’s a special moment in this celebration of the 50th anniversary of our independence,†coach Bubista said.
“It’s a victory for all the Cape Verdean people and, above all, a victory for those who fought for our independence.â€
On the island of Sao Vicente, Doris Da Luz, a trader and entrepreneur, told AFP that she was “very proud.â€
“It’s a fight we’ve been trying to achieve for a long time and finally coach Bubista managed to get us there,†said Da Luz, dressed in the team’s blue.
The team reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on their debut in 2013 and again in 2023 and are currently ranked 70th in the world.
“It’s time to celebrate,†39-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha told reporters, explaining that he had “been dreaming of this moment since I was a child.â€
Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Ghana and Cape Verde have now won groups and filled six of the nine places automatically reserved for Africa at the 2026 World Cup.
Fan Jose Jorge Borges, a 60-year-old journalist, told AFP in Praia it was a very memorable moment for Cape Verdeans.
“The emotions are visible and difficult to describe,†he said.


‘Very unlucky’ Odegaard faces weeks out, says Arteta

‘Very unlucky’ Odegaard faces weeks out, says Arteta
Updated 17 October 2025

‘Very unlucky’ Odegaard faces weeks out, says Arteta

‘Very unlucky’ Odegaard faces weeks out, says Arteta
  • “It will be weeks. No definite date for his return, but he’s evolving well,†Arteta said
  • The Gunners lead title rivals Liverpool by one point after seven games

LONDON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said on Friday that captain Martin Odegaard could be missing until after the November international break due to the Norwegian’s latest injury setback.
Odegaard set an unwanted record by becoming the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts when he came off with a knee injury against West Ham on October 3.
The 26-year-old had previously struggled with a recurring shoulder problem this season.
“It will be weeks. No definite date for his return, but he’s evolving well. Very unlucky, what’s happening with him and his injuries this season,†Arteta said ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Fulham on Saturday.
“It could be (after the next international break), but we’ll have to see how he progresses, how the knee’s healing, how he manages after the next steps in his rehab, so too early to give an answer,†he added.
Despite Odegaard’s disrupted start to the season and other injuries to Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, William Saliba and Noni Madueke, Arsenal have stormed to the top of the Premier League.
The Gunners lead title rivals Liverpool by one point after seven games as they seek to go one better after finishing third for three consecutive seasons.
Viktor Gyokeres was signed to end Arsenal’s need for a prolific striker.
The Swede, though, has so far scored just three times in 10 appearances and has not netted in his last eight matches for club and country.
Arteta backed the 27-year-old to come good and claimed to have been pleased with Gyokeres’ all-round performances so far.
“He brings so much to the team and watching the games back, I’m very pleased with what he’s given to the team,†added Arteta.
“I told him before the first meeting, ‘the nine that I want is a nine that when he doesn’t score for six or eight games, he can handle that. If not, you have to go somewhere else because the pressure, the expectation is going to be there.’
“If you put the number nine shirt on for Arsenal, you have to be able to say: ‘six games I don’t score, am I different player? Do I act in a different way?’
“I want much more of the same of what he’s doing. Once we have those opportunities, put them in. I’m sure it’s going to happen.â€