Esports World Cup Foundation partners with Tencent for China expansion

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has partnered with publishing giant Tencent to expand the Esports World Cup’s presence in China. 

The collaboration aims to unite global esports fans and integrate China’s growing esports market into the tournament. The agreement was signed at the Empower Esports Worldwide Series event in Shenzhen.

A “dedicated development team’’ will also be formed to increase esports engagement and industry collaboration in China. Tencent said its esports division will provide marketing, consulting, and operational support to connect Chinese esports with EWC’s global ecosystem. 

The Esports World Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from July to August, though official commencement dates have not been revealed. 

Combining expertise 

“The Esports World Cup has created a global stage for competitive gaming, demonstrating its influence not only in China but across the world," said VP of Tencent Games and general manager of Tencent Esports Mars Hou. 

“Through this partnership, we are committed to elevating EWC’s presence in China and integrating our esports industry with the world’s largest competitive gaming event. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with EWCF to push esports forward on a global scale."

Esports World Cup Foundation chief of staff Thamer Al Shuaibi commented: “The Esports World Cup’s purpose is to create a global platform for esports and gaming fans worldwide, and investing in key growth markets for esports is a core pillar of our mission.”

He added: “China plays a critical role in this vision, and Tencent's leadership in gaming and esports positions it as an essential partner. 

“By combining our expertise, we will continue to strengthen esports as an industry, providing new opportunities for Chinese players and clubs, and bringing the best of the Esports World Cup to Chinese fans."