The French organization Karmine Corp has been reclaimed for the Esports World Cup 2026 Club Program, according to an announcement on the tournament series' social media channels.
On the path to global glory, once again.
— Esports World Cup (@EWC_EN) May 19, 2026
Welcome back Karmine Corp to the Club Partner Program. pic.twitter.com/aAFx1YHyiY
Karmine Corp has been reselected for the Esports World Cup 2026 Club Program following HEROIC's exit from the partnership on May 15. The official reason provided was: “Following recent internal organizational changes, HEROIC no longer meets the requirements.” This announcement came on the heels of HEROIC shutting down its Dota 2 roster. The organizers likely decided to invite Karmine Corp to fill the spot left by HEROIC.
Karmine Corp’s return to the EWC Club Program feels highly symbolic, especially amid rumors that the entire Esports World Cup 2026 tournament series could move from Riyadh to Paris. While there has been no official announcement, some sources claim this is a very likely scenario due to ongoing security tensions in the Middle East. If the relocation to France indeed happens, securing a partnership with one of the country's most popular esports organizations would be a perfectly logical move for the EWC organizers.
Karmine Corp was a member of the Club Program in previous years, but the French organization was initially left off the 2026 partner list. Other prominent esports organizations — including FaZe Clan, LOUD, Gaimin Gladiators, and Movistar KOI — were also noticeably absent. In their place, Team Heretics, FUT Esports, and several other clubs from South America and Southeast Asia were invited. No official reason has been given for the roster shake-up.
Esports World Cup 2026 Club Partner Program Participants:
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