The Esports Foundation (EF) has awarded National Team Partner status to organizations and Managers across more than 100 countries and territories, ahead of the first edition of the Esports Nations Cup. This marks the first large-scale structuring of a national team system in esports, designed to complement club-based competitions rather than replace them.
The EF received more than 630 applications from 150 countries (out of 200 eligible), following a two-phase selection process: an evaluation of prerequisites (legal standing, reputation with publishers, local credibility), then an in-depth review by invitation focusing on operational capabilities, knowledge of the local ecosystem and national vision. Partners are appointed for an initial one-year term, which will be reassessed ahead of the 2028 edition.
A three-tier governance structure.
Each National Team Partner, acting as a national coordinating body, in theory appoints a National Team Manager, approved by the EWCF, who serves as the operational liaison. The Manager then designates coaches for each game title, who are responsible for building the national rosters. Publishers retain oversight on the final approval of coaches and teams.
A wide variety of partner profiles.
The selected structures cover a broad spectrum: legacy federations (Korea Esports Association, Saudi Esports Federation), club-led coalitions (Brazil, United States), public-private alliances (Germany, Canada, United Arab Emirates), and grassroots federations in Malaysia, Turkey and Thailand. Applications were open to both entities and individuals, and countries without a designated partner will be supported through regional structures provided by the EF.
Substantial financial and logistical support.
Selected partners receive an official participation license that includes: covered travel and accommodation for teams, coaches and managers; annual compensation for managers of up to $25,000 ($5,000 guaranteed + up to $20,000 in incentive bonuses); and rights to activate commercial and media partnerships at the national level. The EWCF is also establishing a development fund of at least $20 million per year, intended to finance national team activity year-round: travel, bootcamps, community events, staffing and development of local esports infrastructure.
Funny that everyone is part of some national esports authority, and then you got 🇨🇵 : Yellowstar.
I prefer having an ancient lol pro player who still follows the pro scene as "project director" than a guy who just got his place because he is from the national esport association
is there a reason ?
Article from 20Minutes reveals that both UFCEP & France Esports applied to represent France at the ENC, but the EWCF wanted them to make a joint proposal. They couldn't sort out their disagreements, then the UFCEP decided not to apply, and the EWCF then chose Yellowstar, who has until April 7th to pick his managers for each game https://www.20minutes.fr/gaming/jeux_video/4215487-20260328-esports-nations-cup-naissance-chaotique-equipe-france-esport