Source: The Esports Foundation

The Esports Foundation (EF) has announced the opening of applications for the '2026 Creator Program' for the Esports World Cup 2026 (EWC 2026) and the Esports Nations Cup 2026 (ENC 2026).

This project represents the largest co-streaming initiative in esports history and further strengthens the core strategy that has driven the explosive growth of the EWC since its inaugural event. Co-streaming, which has played a pivotal role in connecting with fans worldwide, saw 3500 co-streamers serve as a key pillar of viewership growth during the 2025 tournament, bringing the most dramatic moments of the competition to life for communities across all regions, platforms, and languages.

This program reflects EF's vision to keep pace with shifting media consumption trends. Today's viewers proactively choose and experience content through the perspectives of creators they trust. In line with this, EF has allocated a total of $2 million for a reward program designed to support and empower creators. The strategy is to secure the next generation of esports fandom by meeting fans where they are and placing creators at the center of the experience. Accordingly, the 2026 Creator Program aims to expand to a total of 5k creators, opening up new regions and platforms.

EF's largest-ever co-streaming program is part of a broad growth strategy to increase esports accessibility through a wider range of languages and platforms, and to expand broadcast coverage so fans can enjoy content in their preferred format and language. Notably, this program is designed to be a sustainable pillar of esports growth rather than a one-off event, operating throughout both 'EWC 2026,' held in Paris, France, this summer, and the inaugural 'ENC 2026,' taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this November.

Wasae Imran, Director of Broadcasting and Distribution at EF, stated, "This is not just an esports trend, but a broader media trend. Whether it's music, video, news, or sports, viewers no longer just consume content that is unilaterally provided. They choose what to watch, where to focus, and how deeply to engage. Esports is at the forefront of this change, and traditional sports are moving in the same direction."

He added, "We should no longer provide matches in just a single format; we must open all channels where fans can enjoy the same moments and let them choose. By supporting the growth of creators whom fans already trust, the Creator Program serves as a foundation for spreading the world's largest esports tournament deep into every community."

To maximize this viewing experience, EF has collaborated with game partners and platforms to build a co-streaming ecosystem. Beyond guaranteeing broadcast rights to ensure creators can seamlessly stream their preferred tournaments, EF provides multi-faceted support, including tools for channel growth, exposure opportunities, and platform-specific benefits. By supporting the co-streamers who have become a central pillar of the global esports viewing experience, the tournament's key narratives—from unexpected upsets to historic championship moments—will be delivered through the voices fans trust most.

Approved creators can perform various missions while co-streaming their preferred tournaments and climb the leaderboard to progress through a 'Battle Pass.' The total reward pool for creators and their communities amounts to $1.5 million, with the Battle Pass unlocking #1 Gift Cards #2 Digital Items #3 Gaming gear and consoles #4 EWC and ENC on-site invitations #5 Streaming platform benefits #6 Other exclusive reward opportunities. The program supports all major global streaming platforms, including Twitch, YouTube, Bilibili, Huya, CHZZK, and TikTok.

Furthermore, this program will be linked to the inaugural 'ENC 2026' national tournament in November, providing a special stage where creators can unite with fans to cheer for teams representing their countries and regions.

Applications for the 'EWC 2026 Creator Program' are available on the official website.