EWCF Expands in China, Making Tencent Esports a Strategic Partner

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has officially teamed up with Tencent E-Sports in a strategic partnership aimed at growing the Esports World Cup’s (EWC) presence in China.

Announced at the Empower Esports Worldwide Series in Shenzhen on Feb. 16, this collaboration is set to strengthen EWC’s reach in the country with one of the world’s largest esports markets. As part of the agreement, the EWC China Development Team will be established to drive engagement and connect Chinese esports with the global scene.

With 490 million esports users and a rapidly growing industry that generated approximately $3 billion in 2024, China remains a global leader in competitive gaming, ahead of the US with a $1.25 billion market value.

“The Esports World Cup has created a global stage for competitive gaming, demonstrating its influence not only in China but across the world,” said Mars Hou, Vice President of Tencent Games and General Manager of Tencent E-Sports. “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.”

This move comes at a time when esports are gaining more mainstream recognition, with the inaugural Olympic Esports Games scheduled for 2027.

“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,” said Thamer Alshuaibi, Chief of Staff at the Esports World Cup Foundation. “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.”