New Zealand esports teams look to prove themselves on world stage through groundbreaking Esports World Cup Club Program

A major new initiative in the world of esports was announced today by the Esports World Cup Foundation. Called the EWC Club Program, its goal is to help esports teams build sustainable rosters across multiple gaming titles and unite fans worldwide under common team banners, according to the announcement.

The program, which opens applications today, aims to accept 28 total esports clubs - 22 by direct invitation and 6 through an open application process. Teams selected will need to show an established history in esports, a long-term growth strategy, the capability to build competitive rosters, and the ability to engage fans globally.

For clubs that drive viewership, fan engagement, and deliver top performances at the 2024 Esports World Cup, there will be a six-figure annual payout available. This incentive is designed to maximize visibility for both the clubs and the fledgling worldwide esports competition itself.

Importantly, the EWC Club Program seems intended as a catalyst for accelerating growth in the booming, but still nascent esports industry. It will provide resources for top teams to expand into more gaming titles and maintain elite talent, helping them toward their longer-term goals.

Despite being part of this new initiative, clubs will still need to qualify for the World Cup through standard means, rather than receiving any automatic bid. Points earned across the World Cup's eight-week competition and festival event in Saudi Arabia will lead to the first-ever crowning of an EWC Club World Champion, who will take home part of a yet-unannounced club prize pool.

For New Zealand's small but passionate esports scene, the EWC Club Program offers an intriguing opportunity. Kiwi teams have shown they can punch above their weight class, like the Chiefs Esports Club winning the 2022 Oceanic League of Legends title. This new backing may be what's required for a team from these distant shores to make a splash on the global stage.

At the same time, the involvement of Saudi Arabia gives pause. The nation only recently lifted a long-time ban on gaming and esports, seemingly to help promote tourism. Yet it has a checkered human rights record. This project could easily be another attempt to "sportswash" the kingdom's reputation. Care will need to be taken by any potential NZ club partners.

Still, with esports projected to top $1 billion in revenue this year and reach an audience of 600 million, the Esports World Cup and its Club Program will offer unprecedented exposure and resources. For ambitious Kiwi gamers and the tight-knit Oceania esports community, this could be the chance they've waited for to prove themselves with the whole world watching.

Getting in on the ground floor will be tough, but well worth the effort of building partnerships and selling the New Zealand esports dream on a global scale. Today's announcement sets the stage for what could be a coming out party for players and clubs from Down Under.