So not only teams are competing for awards this year.
The Esports Foundation has announced its Creator Program for 2026, putting up $2 million in rewards to attract co-streamers to the Esports World Cup and Esports Nations Cup. Applications are now open, and the foundation is hoping to grow the program significantly after last year's edition featured over 3,500 co-streamers, with a target of more than 5,000 participating creators this time. The aim is to extend the events' coverage into new territories and languages by leaning on creators that fans already follow and trust.
One important clarification on the headline figure: the $2 million refers to the total value of rewards available across both EWC and ENC, not direct cash payouts. Creators instead earn from a pool of prizes tied to their activity and progression.
How It Works
Approved creators progress through a Battle Pass-style system, completing missions, accumulating points, and climbing leaderboards over the course of the events. Rewards are earned through metrics including hours broadcast, hours watched, completed missions, points accumulated, and overall leaderboard performance during EWC events, the last of which suggests there may be separate leaderboards for each tournament title. The rewards unlock perks for both the creators and their communities.
Eligibility is fairly open. Any streamer can apply provided they can broadcast in 720p or higher and agree to no third-party sponsorships during their co-streams. Eligible platforms span both global and Chinese services: globally, Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, Kick, SOOP and CHZZK, while China-specific platforms include BiliBili, Huya, DouYu and Kuaishou.
The Rewards on Offer
The announced rewards range from small collectibles to major prizes. They include an EWC pin, luggage tag, headphones holder, and backpack, alongside digital gift cards, an OBSBOT webcam, a PlayStation 5, signed jerseys, an Esports Nations Cup invite, and a trip for two to the Esports World Cup, with that top-tier travel prize reportedly valued at up to $50,000. Wasae Imran, the foundation's director of broadcast and distribution, framed the program around shifting viewing habits, saying audiences "don't just watch what they're given anymore" and instead choose their own experience, with the program built to let trusted creators "carry the world's biggest esports event into every community."
Where It Fits in the 2026 Calendar
The program is timed around two major events. The Esports World Cup 2026 runs from July 6 to August 23 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, following the event's relocation from Riyadh, with an opening ceremony scheduled at La Seine Musicale on July 8. The Esports Nations Cup then takes place in Riyadh in November as a nation-based competition. The Creator Program also runs parallel to the foundation's separately announced Club Partner Program, which provides $1 million in funding per team across 40 partnered esports clubs for the 2026 season, underlining how much the Esports Foundation is investing in both creators and organisations heading into the year.
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