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Amaral Esports: Is This Jonathan’s New Team or Just a Rumor?

Hoax
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Amaral Esports: Is This Jonathan’s New Team or Just a Rumor?

Is Jonathan Gaming building a new esports organization called “Amaral Esports”? That is the rumor sweeping through the Indian BGMI community right now, and this article is here to break it down clearly.

Before anything else, the short answer is: there is no confirmed evidence that Amaral Esports exists or that Jonathan is leaving GodLike. The rumor is built on unverified leaks, and Jonathan himself has not announced anything of the sort. Here is everything you need to know.

What Happened at BGIS 2026

The controversy that sparked all of this speculation started during the BGIS 2026 Survival Stage in Hyderabad. For the first time in nearly seven years of competitive play, Jonathan was benched from GodLike‘s starting lineup on Day 1. The decision was clarified by GodLike captain Manya to be purely strategic, with no internal conflict involved. Jonathan himself confirmed this during a stream, stating that he put the team’s best interest ahead of his own ego.

GodLike went on to top the Survival Stage standings with the adjusted lineup, and Jonathan was brought back into the active roster for the Grand Finals in Chennai. The team, featuring Manya, Admino, Spower, and Jonathan, had a strong Day 1 at the Chennai Trade Centre, finishing second overall with 63 points and two Chicken Dinners. However, they could not maintain that form and ultimately ended BGIS 2026 in 5th place, with Team Soul winning the championship.

Jonathan’s Cryptic Message

After BGIS 2026 concluded, Jonathan posted an emotional message on his Instagram broadcast channel directed at the “Jonny Army”. He spoke candidly about the emotional difficulty of the season, including the benching and the 5th-place finish, and thanked his fans for staying by his side. The message ended with a line that lit the internet on fire: “We have some very new changes and cr*zy things coming up for the future!”

That single sentence, while exciting, is vague enough to mean almost anything. It could refer to a new content venture, a roster reshuffle, a brand deal, or simply a new tournament lineup. It does not mention a new organization, a business registration, or any departure from GodLike. Treating it as confirmation of “Jonathan new team” plans is a stretch that the community quickly ran with.

Where the Amaral Esports Rumor Comes From

The “Amaral Esports” name is not random. Jonathan’s real surname is Amaral, his full name being Jonathan Jude Amaral. The rumor originated from a report (now deleted), which claimed that a company called “Amaral Esports Pvt Ltd” had been registered, and another claiming Jonathan planned to launch it as a new organization with content creator Soham Rathod (SSR Vlogs) as a co-owner, along with a third unnamed partner. Several YouTube channels covering the BGMI transfer window picked up the story, treating the registration leak as near-confirmation.

The problem is that a company registration, even if real, is not evidence of a functional esports org launching soon. Businesses are incorporated for many reasons, and the registration has not been independently verified by any credible esports media outlet. There has been zero official announcement from Jonathan, GodLike, or any co-owner about Amaral Esports. The story spread rapidly because the name is compelling and the timing is emotionally charged. Not because the facts support it.

GodLike Is Not Falling Apart

One important piece of context being overlooked in the rumor cycle is that GodLike Esports is not in decline. The organization was selected for the EWC 2026 Club Partner Program for the very first time. This is a major milestone that comes with global exposure and funding. This selection was announced just days after BGIS 2026 concluded, with GodLike’s roster listed as Jonathan, Admino, Manya, and SPower.

GodLike co-owner Amar also publicly stated during BGIS 2026 that he still dreams of winning an official trophy with Jonathan on the team. That is not the language of an organization preparing to lose its star player. For more context on GodLike’s current standing in Indian esports, check out this overview of EWC 2026 Club Partners.

Should You Completely Rule It Out?

Debunking a rumor does not mean it is impossible. Jonathan’s future at GodLike is genuinely uncertain heading into the BMPS 2026 transfer window. His cryptic message does hint at real change coming, and the Indian esports scene has seen bigger surprises before. The surname-based organization name is also a detail that would make sense if such a venture were real.

What makes this specific rumor unreliable is its foundation. The only cited “proof” is an unverified company registration leak and a vague Instagram post. Neither Jonathan nor anyone linked to the supposed organization has said a single word about Amaral Esports publicly. Until that changes, this remains an unconfirmed rumor, not a developing story. Keep your eyes on Jonathan’s official Instagram and GodLike’s social channels for any real announcement.

Marvel Rivals The Hood: All New Leaks and Release Date

Sonu Banerjee
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Marvel Rivals The Hood: All New Leaks and Release Date

While there are still a few more weeks to go before the highly anticipated mid-season update for Marvel Rivals hits the live servers and players can welcome Black Cat in the game, it appears that NetEase may have already started hinting at the next hero joining the roster in Season 8.

As several prominent dataminers have claimed in the past, The Hood is expected to be an upcoming character joining the playable roster in Marvel Rivals in the near future. However, based on a series of recent teases from the dev team, it now seems that The Hood’s arrival in the hero shooter might be closer than you think.

NetEase Teases The Hood in Marvel Rivals 

Over the past few weeks, NetEase has dropped multiple teases hinting at The Hood’s arrival in Marvel Rivals. The notorious super-villain first appeared on the cover of Marvel Rivals Infinity Comic #43, where The Hood’s silhouette can be spotted reflected on the ground.

More recently, the Lower Manhattan map reveal trailer that was posted on the official Marvel Rivals YouTube handle yesterday briefly showcased The Hood’s iconic cape, further reinforcing the earlier tease and strongly hinting that the character could be arriving in the game as part of the Season 8 update.

Marvel Rivals The Hood Release Date

NetEase has yet to publicly announce the official release date for The Hood in Marvel Rivals. However, based on the recent teasers, it’s safe to assume he will be introduced to the game at some point in Season 8.

The earliest that fans can expect to play The Hood in Marvel Rivals is with the Season 8 update in May 2026.

ENCE’s Academy Team Is Going to Be Its Interim Main Roster

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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ENCE’s Academy Team Is Going to Be Its Interim Main Roster

Finnish Counter-Strike juggernauts ENCE has officially announced that they will be dissolving their academy project as part of a strategy shift leading to an overhaul of the CS2 division. The move has confirmed their intentions to impact instead of a long-term academy project.

With ENCE failing to reach the top of competitive CS2, they are shutting down their academy program. ENCE will be redirecting its resources into getting a single roster, which will be expected to make an immediate impact instead of a long-term academy project.

The new roster is out. We can clearly see the direction ENCE is heading towards, promoting their academy roster to become an Interim Team, where Finnish talents will be leading the roster.

ENCE Interim Roster

  • Aleksi “millert” Lehtopuu
  • Teemu “teme” Korva
  • Niki “Cliqq” Kinnunen
  • Henri “HENU” Ylilehto
  • Giorgi “Schwarz” Gakhokidze
  • George “Whitey” White (Coach)

Labelling the roster as interim gives ENCE the moral cushion to make harsh changes at any point, and since this roster will be aiming to reach tier-1, ENCE will be roping in big names from the CS2 scene to make it work. Only time can tell how they decide to handle it, but the world will be closely following their development.

New Valorant ‘Jellybeam’ Bundle Leaked: Skins, Price, Release Date, and More

Sonu Banerjee
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New Valorant ‘Jellybeam’ Bundle Leaked: Skins, Price, Release Date, and More

Less than a day after the Valorant 12.06 patch went live, it seems that the next skin collection set to hit the game’s store has already been leaked on the internet.

The upcoming skin collection first surfaced on Chinese social media forums under the name “Bear House.” The skins from the bundle were subsequently leaked on platforms like X, and it is now expected to launch as the Jellybeam collection.

The Jellybeam skins in Valorant feature transparent weapon sections filled with colorful jelly bears, paired with pastel tones and glowing accents that give the collection a playful, cute aesthetic that’s somewhat reminiscent of the Evori Dreamwings bundle.

In this article, we’ll go through everything you need to know about the new Valorant Jellybeam bundle.

Valorant Jellybeam Bundle Skins

As confirmed by prominent Valorant leakers on X, the Jellybeam bundle will feature skins for the following weapons:

  • Phantom
  • Spectre
  • Judge
  • Shorty
  • Knife (Melee)

Note that the Jellybeam collection is expected to be a “filler” collection and is unlikely to have many visual or audio upgrades.

Valorant Jellybeam Bundle Price

Since the Valorant Jellybeam bundle is likely to be a Deluxe-tier collection, it will have a relatively low price tag compared to the more expensive bundles in the game.

According to leaks, each weapon skin in the Jellybeam bundle will cost 1,275 VP, while players looking to buy the knife will have to spend 2,550 VP.

You can get a discount on individual skins by purchasing the entire bundle, which costs roughly 5,100 VP.

Valorant Jellybeam Bundle Release Date

While the exact release date of the Jellybeam bundle has not been revealed by Riot Games at the time of writing, fans can expect the new skin collection to hit the Valorant store on April 2, 2026.

CS2 Pro “nifee” Handed 4-Year ESIC Ban for Match Fixing

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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CS2 Pro “nifee” Handed 4-Year ESIC Ban for Match Fixing

A professional Counter-Strike 2 player has been handed a four-year ban for match fixing at the ESL Pro League by the Esports Integrity Commission after the conclusion of an investigation.

21-year-old Ukrainian rifler Dmytro “nifee” Tediashvili of Inner Circle was subjected to an investigation where his repeated deaths to Molotovs and grenades were found to be too strange for competitive play. Expert reviewers confirmed that these decisions were designed in line with the betting market odds, where suspicious bets were placed from new, inactive, and high-value accounts around the time of the incidents.


Inner Circle was quick to distance itself from the actions of nifee after the verdict was passed by ESIC. They have claimed these were isolated events that took place in the player’s personal capacity, and therefore assert that the organization or the team was unaware of his intentions during the game.

From initially denying all the allegations and rejecting legal representation, nifee cooperated with ESIC, which helped cut his ban from an initial 5 to 4 years. The ban will now prevent nifee from playing at any ESIC partnered events for the next 4 years, which essentially kills his CS2 career moving forward. He had what many dreamt of, but his talent will be remembered as nothing more than a cautionary tale.

Counter-Strike 2 is arguably the biggest esports title in the world, and its clean image often gets tainted by actions like this; not only does it impact the ecosystem as a whole, but it also ruins the integrity of honest players and organizations who were caught in the crossfire.

BGMI Player Transfer Window Tracker (April 2026): All Rosters, Transfers and Latest Updates

Aditya Parsutkar
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BGMI Player Transfer Window Tracker (April 2026): All Rosters, Transfers and Latest Updates

The BGMI esports scene is once again entering its most exciting phase. With the official opening of the BGMI Player Transfer Window on April 1, 2026, teams have started making major roster changes ahead of the upcoming season. In this article, we will track all confirmed transfers, roster changes, and ongoing rumours. This BGMI Player Transfer Window Tracker will be updated regularly with the latest moves.

BGMI Player Transfer Window Tracker (April 2026)

Below is the complete tracker of teams and players. This includes confirmed changes, releases, and expected moves.

Refresh the page to check new updates

Player NamePrevious TeamNew TeamStatus
SyraxMadkingsTBDReleased
ProMadkingsTBDReleased
NinjuSinewy EsportsTBDReleased
NinjaOPSinewy EsportsTBDReleased
RexboySinewy EsportsTBDReleased
SigmaIGLSinewy EsportsTBDReleased
MokshSinewy EsportsTBDReleased
ProAutobotz EsportsTBDReleased
SkillfullAutobotz EsportsTBDReleased
JonathanGodlike EsportsTBDStrong Rumours
BeastVasista EsportsTBDStrong Rumours
SaumrajPhoenix EsportsTBDStrong Rumours
JellyTrue RippersTBDStrong Rumours
HydroTrue RippersTBDStrong Rumours
KioTrue RippersTBDStrong Rumours
HarshTrue RippersTBDStrong Rumours
RonnyTrue RippersTBDStrong Rumours
PunkRevenant XSparkTBDReleased
JD GamingRevenant XSparkTBDReleased
WhiteTigerMetaNinzaTBDReleased
ShirajZutsu GamingTBDReleased
VeyronZutsu GamingTBDReleased
NodiZutsu GamingTBDReleased
OmegaHigg Boson TBDReleased
SnowJodHigg BosonTBDReleased
SimpPhoenix EsportsTBDReleased
ProtonWelt EsportsTBDReleased

BGMI Teams & Current Rosters (April 2026)

Below is the complete team-wise roster tracker. This will help you quickly check which players are currently part of each team during the transfer window.

(Note: This section will be updated as transfers get confirmed.)

Team SoulOrangutanGodlike EsportsGenesis Esports
NakulAaruManyaViper
GoblinAkOPSpowerGravityJod
LegitAttankiAdminoHunterZ
JokerWizzgodGodzFury
ThunderZap
Sinewy EsportsMeta NinzaMadkingsTeam Tamilas
TBDFierceShadowAimgod
TBDApolloClutchgodFoxOP
TBDJavinMrIGL
TBDReaper
TBD
Vasista EsportsWyld FangsRevenant XSparkWelt Esports
HectorSenseiTracegodGokuWNL
SaumaySpraygodNinjaJOD
ShayaanGotenPain09Maxioso
FusionOPKanhaShyam
Sam999JustyOP
Nebula EsportsK9 EsportsReckoning EsportsPhoenix Esports
AadiKnightGodx
KnowMeOmegaLeviSmoker
KRATOSNinjaBoiLovishStranger
PhoenixSlugRomanViper

Read More: S8UL and GodLike Selected for Esports World Cup 2026 Club Partner Program

What is the BGMI Transfer Window?

KRAFTON India introduced the transfer window system to bring structure and fairness to BGMI esports.

During the lock period (October 2025 to April 2026), players were not allowed to switch teams. Now that the window is open, teams can officially sign or release players.

This system has reduced random poaching and made roster changes more transparent and regulated.

Why This Transfer Window is Important

This transfer window is not just about roster changes. It will define the next competitive season.

  • Teams will rebuild after BGIS 2026
  • New superteams can be formed
  • Underdog teams can rise with smart signings
  • International preparation will begin

With India getting more international slots, strong roster building is now more important than ever.

How the BGMI Transfer System Works

KRAFTON has introduced a structured system for team management:

Transfers only happen during official windows
Free agents can join anytime
Every move is verified and tracked
Teams are managed via KRAFTON Esports dashboard
Each club can register one active team (4–5 players)

This ensures fair play and transparency across the ecosystem.

What to Expect Next?

The coming weeks will be crucial.

Big announcements from top orgs
Surprise team-ups
Possible new org entry
Major player movements

This is just the beginning, and the tracker will keep updating as more transfers are confirmed.

The BGMI Player Transfer Window 2026 has officially kicked off, and the scene is already heating up. From confirmed releases to massive rumours like Jonathan’s potential exit, this window could reshape the entire BGMI esports landscape.

Stay tuned as we keep updating this tracker with the latest moves.

BGMI Transfer Window April 2026: Roster Changes, Jonathan Rumours, Rules Explained

Pranav Nalawade
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BGMI Transfer Window April 2026: Roster Changes, Jonathan Rumours, Rules Explained

The BGMI player transfer window is officially open. As of April 1, 2026, every registered team in the Krafton India Esports ecosystem can sign, release, or trade players. Rosters that were locked since October 2025 are now unlocked, and the community has already started moving.

Farewell posts are going up. Signing rumours are everywhere. And the biggest name in Indian BGMI, Jonathan, is reportedly leaving GodLike Esports to start his own organization.

This transfer window is going to reshape the BGMI competitive scene heading into BMPS 2026. Here is everything happening, how the system works, and which moves to watch.

Why this transfer window matters more than usual

The window opens one day after the BGIS 2026 Grand Finals wrapped up in Chennai (March 27-29). Teams now have a clear picture of where they stand. Some won. Most did not. The ones that fell short are already looking to fix what went wrong.

Outside of Team Soul (the BGIS champions) and Orangutan, nearly every team in the competitive scene is expected to make roster changes. That is not speculation. Madkings have already released Syrax and Pro. Sinewy Esports released their entire roster. True Rippers are reportedly rebuilding around Jelly. Saumraj may surface as an IGL for a new squad. Beast’s name is being linked to Gods Reign.

And then there is Jonathan.

The Jonathan situation

This is the move that will define this window. Reports from Letsgrowesports on March 31 claim Jonathan is not just leaving GodLike. He is reportedly partnering with Soham Rathod (SSR Vlogs) and another co-owner to launch his own esports organization. If true, this is not a transfer. It is a departure from the player side of the equation entirely.

The backstory: Jonathan was benched during the BGIS 2026 Survival Stage on March 16. GodZ replaced him, and the team topped the Survival Stage without him. Jonathan left the Hyderabad venue for a shoot in Mumbai. He unfollowed GodLike and Kronten on Instagram. GodLike co-owner Amar called the rumours “baseless” and asked fans to wait for an official statement.

That official statement has not come. What has come is the transfer window opening on April 1 and multiple sources reporting that Jonathan is done with GodLike. Whether he returns as an owner-player running his own squad or takes a different path, the next few weeks will answer that.

For GodLike, the question is what comes next. The team still has Manya, Admino, and Spower. They topped the Survival Stage. They competed in the Grand Finals. But losing Jonathan, the most recognized individual player in Indian BGMI, changes the identity of the organization in a way that no replacement can fully address.

Confirmed and rumoured moves so far

Confirmed releases:

  • Madkings released Syrax and Pro
  • Sinewy Esports released their entire roster (full rebuild)

Strong rumours:

  • Jonathan reportedly leaving GodLike to start his own esports org
  • True Rippers rebuilding around Jelly, with the rest of the lineup likely changing
  • Saumraj linked to a new team as IGL
  • Beast reportedly heading to Gods Reign
  • Multiple teams from the Survival Stage and eliminated BGIS squads actively scouting

Likely stable rosters:

  • Team Soul (BGIS 2026 champions, no reason to change)
  • Orangutan (strong BGIS performance, Aaru-led squad looked settled)

The list will grow rapidly over the next two weeks. The window typically stays open for about 30 days, during which every registered club can submit changes through the Krafton India Esports dashboard.

How the BGMI transfer window actually works

Krafton India introduced the structured transfer window in October 2025, modeled after traditional sports like football and the IPL. Before this system existed, players could leave teams at any time. Mid-tournament switches were common. Poaching was rampant. Teams had no stability guarantees.

The current system works like this:

Two windows per year. The first ran October 1 to November 15, 2025. The second opens April 1, 2026. After each window closes, rosters lock for six months.

Only registered transfers during the window. If a player is under contract with a club, they can only move during the official window. Free agents (players not tied to any club) can join teams at any time, even outside the window.

Everything goes through the KIE dashboard. Team owners or IGLs log into the “My Teams” section, invite or remove players, handle join requests, and submit the roster for Krafton verification. Once approved, the team is eligible for official and third-party tournaments.

Each club registers one active team of 4 to 5 players. No exceptions. Krafton tracks and verifies every transaction for transparency.

Karan Pathak, Krafton India’s Associate Director for Esports, framed the system as a step toward professionalizing esports operations in India. The goal is to give players and clubs a clear, transparent framework that aligns with global standards.

Has the system actually reduced poaching?

Mostly. Before the transfer window, poaching was one of the biggest complaints in BGMI esports. Teams would invest time developing a player, and another org would approach them mid-season with a better offer. The player would leave, the original team’s roster would collapse, and tournament brackets would be affected.

The structured window has reduced that significantly. But it has not eliminated it entirely. During the BGIS 2026 LAN in Hyderabad, players like Hector and Owais mentioned on stream that some of their players were being approached by other organizations even while the window was closed. The interest and competition are still there. The system just forces the actual moves to happen during a defined period.

What to watch over the next few weeks

The Jonathan situation will dominate headlines. But beyond that, watch for which teams make the smartest rebuilds. The organizations that fell short at BGIS, teams like K9 Esports, Nebula, Wyld Fangs, and Vasista, all have specific weaknesses they need to address. A new fragger, a better IGL, or a full lineup reset could change their trajectory before BMPS 2026.

The teams that stay quiet during this window are worth watching too. Soul and Orangutan not making changes signals confidence in their current lineups. Stability at the top forces everyone else to catch up.

And for fans, this is honestly one of the more entertaining phases of the BGMI calendar. The matches are over. The negotiations are happening behind closed doors. The farewell posts keep coming. And at some point in the next few weeks, the new rosters will be announced and everyone will start arguing about who got better and who got worse.

That argument will not be settled until BMPS starts. But the moves being made right now will decide it.

Frequently asked questions

When does the BGMI transfer window open in 2026?

April 1, 2026. Rosters that were locked since October 2025 are now unlocked. The window is expected to stay open for approximately 30 days.

Is Jonathan leaving GodLike Esports?

Reports from March 31 claim Jonathan is leaving GodLike to start his own esports organization, reportedly partnering with Soham Rathod (SSR Vlogs). GodLike has not confirmed the departure. Their co-owner Amar previously called the rumours “baseless.”

How does the BGMI transfer window work?

Teams submit roster changes through the Krafton India Esports dashboard. Only registered transfers during the official window are allowed. Free agents can join teams at any time. After the window closes, rosters lock for six months.

Which teams have already made changes?

Madkings released Syrax and Pro. Sinewy Esports released their entire roster. Multiple other teams are expected to announce changes in the coming days.

What tournament comes after the transfer window?

BMPS 2026 (Battlegrounds Mobile Pro Series) is the next major competition on the BGMI esports calendar. Teams will use this window to prepare their squads for it.

FaZe Clan, Karmine Corp, and LOUD miss out as EWC 2026 Club Partner Program is confirmed

Satyam Kumar
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FaZe Clan, Karmine Corp, and LOUD miss out as EWC 2026 Club Partner Program is confirmed

FaZe Clan is not in the Esports World Cup 2026 Club Partner Program. Neither is Karmine Corp. Neither is LOUD.

The Esports Foundation confirmed all 40 clubs for the 2026 program on March 31, and the list of organizations that did not make the cut is arguably more interesting than the list that did. Nine clubs from the 2025 program were dropped, replaced by nine new additions. The names missing tell a story about what the EWC values and where the Foundation is shifting its investment.

Every club dropped from the 2025 program

Nine organizations that were part of the 2025 Club Partner Program are not returning for 2026:

  1. FaZe Clan (North America)
  2. Karmine Corp (Europe/France)
  3. LOUD (Brazil)
  4. Gaimin Gladiators (Europe)
  5. Movistar KOI (Europe/Spain)
  6. Bilibili Gaming (China)
  7. EVOS (Southeast Asia)
  8. POWR (Europe)
  9. Team BDS (Europe)

The pattern is clear. Europe took the biggest hit, losing five organizations (Karmine Corp, Gaimin Gladiators, Movistar KOI, POWR, Team BDS). Those slots were redistributed to emerging markets, specifically Turkey, India, and Latin America.

Why FaZe Clan’s exclusion stands out

FaZe is one of the most recognizable brands in esports. Their social media reach is massive. Their content operation is arguably better than their competitive results, which is exactly the kind of profile you would expect the Club Partner Program to reward.

But the program evaluates clubs on multi-title competitive presence, not just brand size. FaZe’s competitive roster in 2025 was concentrated heavily in Counter-Strike and Rainbow Six Siege (they won the Six Invitational 2026 in February). The EWC wants organizations that will field teams across multiple tournaments during the seven-week event in Riyadh. If FaZe was not planning to compete across enough titles, the program’s criteria may have worked against them.

It is also worth noting that FaZe can still compete at EWC 2026. Being excluded from the Club Partner Program does not ban an organization from qualifying for individual tournaments. FaZe’s CS2 and R6 teams can still earn their way into Riyadh through standard qualification. What they lose is the funding (up to $1 million), the Superfan Program access, and the promotional framework.

Why Karmine Corp’s removal matters

Karmine Corp’s absence is surprising for different reasons. The French organization won the Rocket League event at EWC 2025, beating Geekay Esports in the final. They are qualified to defend that title this year. They also field competitive rosters in League of Legends (through the French LFL), Valorant, and Trackmania.

Karmine Corp was one of the most visible European partners in 2025, running an art program as part of their Club Partner initiatives. Losing them while their Rocket League team literally auto-qualifies for EWC 2026 creates an awkward situation where a defending champion is competing at the event but is not part of the partnership ecosystem around it.

The French fanbase, known as the “Blue Wall,” is one of the loudest in European esports. Their absence from the partner program removes a significant European engagement driver.

LOUD’s exclusion and the Latin American shift

LOUD is one of the biggest esports brands in Brazil. Their Valorant roster won Champions 2022. Their content operation reaches millions. Dropping them from the program while adding Alpha7 Esports and Fluxo W7M (both Brazilian) suggests the Esports Foundation wants more Latin American organizations, just not necessarily the same ones.

The 2026 program has five LATAM clubs (9z Globant, Alpha7 Esports, Fluxo W7M, FURIA, Leviatan), up from what was a smaller LATAM presence in 2025. LOUD’s removal and their replacement with two different Brazilian orgs implies the Foundation is prioritizing geographic diversity within the region rather than doubling down on a single dominant brand.

Who replaced them

Nine new organizations joined the 2026 Club Partner Program:

GodLike Esports (India) debuts alongside returning partner S8UL, giving India two slots for the first time.

FUT Esports (Turkey) adds Turkish representation to the program for the first time.

NRG (North America) returns after being part of the 2024 program but missing 2025.

Alpha7 Esports and Fluxo W7M (both Brazil) expand LATAM coverage.

GAM Esports (Vietnam) strengthens Southeast Asian presence.

Team Heretics (Europe) and Titan Esports Club (China) add depth.

9z Globant (Argentina) brings additional South American representation.

The bigger picture

The Club Partner Program is not just about competitive results. It is about audience reach, content production, and the ability to promote EWC across regions. The Foundation distributes $20 million annually across the 40 clubs, with each receiving up to $1 million based on engagement metrics.

The 2025 program delivered 330 million campaign views and engaged over 10 million fans through 370 initiatives. The Foundation wants those numbers to grow in 2026, and the way to grow them is to expand into markets where esports audiences are still scaling rapidly. India, Turkey, and Latin America fit that profile. Established European organizations that have plateaued in audience growth do not.

That explains the pattern. Europe lost five slots. India gained one. Turkey gained one. LATAM gained two. The remaining slot went to additional Chinese and Southeast Asian presence. The Foundation is betting on growth markets over legacy brands.

Whether that bet pays off depends on whether organizations like GodLike, FUT Esports, and Alpha7 can match the engagement output that Karmine Corp, FaZe, and LOUD were delivering. The raw audience numbers from India and Brazil suggest they can. The question is execution.

The EWC 2026 runs July 6 to August 23 in Riyadh with a $75 million prize pool across 25 competitions. The dropped organizations can still qualify for and compete in individual tournaments. They just will not have the financial backing, promotional support, and Superfan infrastructure that the 40 partner clubs receive.

Frequently asked questions

Is FaZe Clan banned from EWC 2026?

No. FaZe is not part of the Club Partner Program, but their teams can still qualify for individual EWC tournaments through standard competitive pathways. They lose the funding and promotional support, not the ability to compete.

Why was Karmine Corp dropped from the EWC Club Partner Program?

The Esports Foundation has not disclosed specific reasons. The program is renewed annually through re-application, and clubs are evaluated on multi-title competitive presence, social media reach, and fan engagement capacity. Karmine Corp’s Rocket League team still auto-qualifies for EWC 2026 as defending champions.

Which clubs replaced the dropped organizations?

GodLike Esports (India), FUT Esports (Turkey), NRG (North America), Alpha7 Esports (Brazil), Fluxo W7M (Brazil), GAM Esports (Vietnam), Team Heretics (Europe), Titan Esports Club (China), and 9z Globant (Argentina).

How many European clubs were removed?

Five: Karmine Corp, Gaimin Gladiators, Movistar KOI, POWR, and Team BDS. Europe went from the most represented region to losing three net slots, which were redistributed to Turkey, India, and Latin America.

Can dropped clubs reapply for EWC 2027?

Yes. The program requires annual re-application. Being dropped in 2026 does not prevent any organization from applying again for the 2027 cycle.

Full List of EWC 2026 Club Partner Teams: All 40 Clubs Announced

Pranav Nalawade
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Full List of EWC 2026 Club Partner Teams: All 40 Clubs Announced

The Esports Foundation officially announced the 40 clubs selected for the 2026 Esports World Cup Club Partner Program on March 31, 2026. Each club receives up to $1 million in funding, access to the Superfan Program, and strategic support to grow their brand and audience leading into EWC 2026 in Riyadh.

The Esports World Cup runs July 6 to August 23, 2026, with a $75 million prize pool across 25 competitions in 24 games. The Club Championship awards $30 million to the top 24 performing organizations.

Here is the complete list of all 40 clubs, what changed from 2025, and what to watch for this year.

All 40 EWC 2026 Club Partner teams

Direct invites (top 8 from 2025 Club Championship):

Team Falcons, Team Liquid, Team Vitality, Twisted Minds, Virtus.pro, All Gamers, Gen.G, Weibo Gaming

These eight organizations earned automatic selection by finishing in the top 8 of the 2025 EWC Club Championship. Team Falcons have won the Club Championship in both 2024 and 2025. Team Liquid finished second last year. Team Vitality completed the podium in third.

Selected through application (32 clubs):

100 Thieves, 9z Globant, Alpha7 Esports, Cloud9, Edward Gaming, Fluxo W7M, Fnatic, FURIA, FUT Esports, G2 Esports, GAM Esports, Gentle Mates, GodLike Esports, HEROIC, JD Gaming, Leviatan, MOUZ, NAVI, NIP.eStar, NRG, ONIC, REJECT, S8UL, Sentinels, T1, Team Heretics, Team RRQ, Team Secret, Team Spirit, Titan Esports Club, Wolves Esports, ZETA DIVISION

Regional breakdown

The 40 clubs span every major esports region. Here is how the slots are distributed:

North America: 100 Thieves, Cloud9, NRG, Sentinels

Europe: Fnatic, G2 Esports, Gentle Mates, HEROIC, MOUZ, NAVI, NIP.eStar, Team Heretics, Team Liquid, Team Spirit, Team Vitality, Virtus.pro

MENA: Team Falcons, Twisted Minds, Wolves Esports

China: Edward Gaming, JD Gaming, Titan Esports Club, Weibo Gaming

Korea: Gen.G, T1

Southeast Asia: GAM Esports, ONIC, Team RRQ, Team Secret

India: GodLike Esports, S8UL

Latin America: 9z Globant, Alpha7 Esports, Fluxo W7M, FURIA, Leviatan

Japan: REJECT, ZETA DIVISION

Turkey: FUT Esports

Compared to 2025, EMEA lost three slots. Those went to Turkey (FUT Esports), India (GodLike, adding a second Indian club alongside S8UL), and Brazil (additional LATAM representation through Fluxo W7M and Alpha7). MENA also lost one slot, which shifted to Latin America.

New additions for 2026

Nine organizations are joining the Club Partner Program for the first time this year:

GodLike Esports (India) is one of the biggest names in Indian mobile esports. They compete across BGMI, COD Mobile, Free Fire MAX, Pokemon UNITE, and more. They are currently competing in the BGIS 2026 Grand Finals this week in Chennai.

FUT Esports (Turkey) adds Turkish representation to the program for the first time, reflecting the region’s growing competitive scene across Valorant and League of Legends.

Alpha7 Esports (Brazil) strengthens Latin American representation alongside existing partners FURIA, 9z, and Leviatan.

Fluxo W7M (Brazil) is the merged entity of two well-known Brazilian organizations, adding depth to the LATAM contingent.

Wolves Esports (MENA) joins as a third MENA representative alongside Team Falcons and Twisted Minds.

NIP.eStar represents Ninjas in Pyjamas’ combined entity with Chinese organization Estar Pro, giving the club dual European and Chinese presence.

HEROIC, Gentle Mates, and Leviatan round out the new additions, bringing European and Latin American depth to the roster.

Clubs removed from 2025

Nine organizations from the 2025 program did not return for 2026. According to Sheep Esports and Hotspawn, the dropped clubs include Karmine Corp, BIG, DRX, PSG Talon, and several others. The EMEA region was hit hardest, losing three slots that were redistributed to emerging markets.

The removals reflect the program’s annual re-application structure. Being selected one year does not guarantee selection the next. Clubs are evaluated on competitive results, social media presence, fan engagement capacity, and their ability to activate audiences around the EWC.

What the Club Partner Program provides

The program is not a tournament qualification. Being selected does not guarantee any club a spot in a specific EWC competition. Teams still need to qualify through each game’s individual pathway.

What clubs receive: up to $1 million in performance-based funding tied to social media reach and fan engagement activities. Access to the Superfan Program, which flew nearly 2,000 fans to Riyadh in 2025. A framework for content creation, watch parties, community events, and creator collaborations throughout the season.

Since launching in 2023, the Esports Foundation has invested over $100 million into clubs through the program and Club Championship combined. In 2025, participating clubs generated more than 330 million campaign views and engaged over 10 million fans across 370 initiatives. Over 130 watch parties were hosted worldwide.

What to watch for in 2026

India’s expanded presence. S8UL returns for a second year. GodLike debuts. Two Indian clubs in the program means double the content, double the fan activations, and significantly more Indian eyeballs on EWC 2026. India contributed 10.5 million viewers to EWC 2025. That number should grow.

Team Falcons’ three-peat bid. The Saudi organization has won the Club Championship in both 2024 and 2025. A third consecutive title would be historic. Team Liquid and Vitality will be the main challengers.

Fortnite’s return. Fortnite Reload joins the EWC lineup for the first time, adding one of the world’s most popular games to the competition schedule. This alone could shift viewership numbers significantly.

$75 million total prize pool. Up from $71.5 million in 2025. $30 million goes to the Club Championship (up from $27 million). The champion club still receives $7 million.

The EWC 2026 runs July 6 to August 23 in Riyadh. Twenty-five competitions across 24 games. Over 2,000 players from 200+ clubs representing 100+ countries. The Club Partner Program is the financial and promotional backbone that holds the ecosystem together.

Frequently asked questions

How many clubs are in the EWC 2026 Club Partner Program?

40 clubs total. Eight received direct invites based on 2025 Club Championship performance. The remaining 32 were selected through an open application process.

Which Indian teams are in the EWC 2026 Club Partner Program?

S8UL (second consecutive year) and GodLike Esports (first time selected).

How much funding does each club receive?

Up to $1 million per club, with payouts tied to social media engagement and fan activation performance throughout the season.

Does being a Club Partner guarantee a spot at EWC 2026 tournaments?

No. Club Partner selection provides funding and strategic support, but teams must still qualify for each game’s EWC tournament through standard competitive pathways.

When is the Esports World Cup 2026?

July 6 to August 23, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 25 competitions across 24 games. $75 million total prize pool.

Which clubs were removed from the 2025 program?

Nine clubs from the 2025 cohort did not return, including Karmine Corp, BIG, DRX, and PSG Talon. Slots were redistributed primarily to Turkey, India, and Latin America.

S8UL and GodLike Selected for Esports World Cup 2026 Club Partner Program

Divyesh Moghe
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S8UL and GodLike Selected for Esports World Cup 2026 Club Partner Program

S8UL and GodLike Esports have both been selected for the Esports Foundation’s Club Partner Program for the Esports World Cup 2026. The announcement came today, March 31, 2026, confirming that two Indian organizations will represent the country at the biggest esports event in the world this summer.

This is S8UL’s second consecutive year in the program. For GodLike, it is the first time. Both join a global roster of 40 elite clubs that will receive up to $1 million (roughly Rs 9.4 Crore) each in funding, alongside strategic support and international exposure leading into and throughout EWC 2026 in Riyadh.

The Esports World Cup runs from July 6 to August 23 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a record $75 million (roughly Rs 710 Crore) prize pool across 25 competitions in 24 games. The Club Championship alone distributes $30 million to the top 24 performing organizations.

What the Club Partner Program actually is

The Club Partner Program is not a tournament qualification. Being selected does not guarantee either S8UL or GodLike a spot in any specific EWC competition. Their teams still need to qualify through each game’s individual pathway.

What it does provide is funding (up to $1 million per club), access to the Superfan Program (which flew nearly 2,000 fans to Riyadh in 2025), and a framework for content creation, fan campaigns, watch parties, and community events throughout the season. The program is designed to grow club audiences and engagement, not just reward competitive results.

Since launching in 2023, the Esports Foundation has invested over $100 million (roughly Rs 948 Crore) into clubs through the program and the Club Championship combined. In 2025, participating clubs delivered more than 330 million campaign views and engaged over 10 million fans across 370 initiatives. Over 130 watch parties were hosted globally.

The 2026 cohort includes 40 clubs spanning North America, Europe, MENA, China, Korea, Southeast Asia, India, and Latin America. Nine new organizations joined this year, while nine from last year’s program were removed.

S8UL returns after a strong 2025

S8UL made history in 2025 as the first Indian organization selected for the Club Partner Program. They competed at EWC 2025 in Apex Legends, Chess, and EA FC. Beyond competition, S8UL ran one of the largest fan engagement drives in Indian esports, hosting watch parties across 12 cities and converting their Mumbai gaming house into a dedicated EWC fan hub.

S8UL is a four-time Esports Awards winner for Esports Content Group of the Year. They currently compete across 10 titles, including BGMI, Valorant, Apex Legends, Chess, EA FC, Free Fire MAX, League of Legends, MOBA Legends 5v5, Pokemon GO, and Pokemon UNITE.

Animesh “Thug” Agarwal, S8UL’s co-founder and CEO, said the second selection validates what they are building. He framed 2026 as a year to go bigger across performance, content, and fan engagement while continuing to represent India at the highest level.

GodLike’s debut on the global stage

GodLike Esports is one of the most recognized names in Indian esports, but their presence has been almost entirely domestic until now. Founded by Chetan “Kronten” Chandgude, GodLike built its reputation through BGMI competitive dominance and a massive content creator ecosystem that generates over 150 million monthly views reaching 50 million users.

The organization competes across BGMI, COD Mobile, Free Fire MAX, Pokemon UNITE, EA FC, eFootball, and multiple MOBA titles. They have executed over 200 brand campaigns with partners including Hero Xtreme, OnePlus, Red Bull, Google Play, Samsung, and others.

Kronten called the selection a defining moment for GodLike and the Indian esports community. He said the program allows them to take their fan energy global, expand into new markets, and create fan experiences that go beyond competition.

GodLike’s selection is notable for another reason. Just last week, they signed an MoU with Maharashtra Cyber and Skyesports for grassroots esports and cyber safety in Maharashtra. They are also currently competing in the BGIS 2026 Grand Finals in Chennai this week (March 27-29). The EWC selection landing on top of both of those is a significant week for the organization.

Complete List of 2026 EWC Club Partner Teams

The 2026 EWC Club Partner Program includes:

  • 100 Thieves
  • 9z Globant
  • All Gamers
  • Alpha7 Esports
  • Cloud9
  • Edward Gaming
  • Fluxo W7M
  • Fnatic
  • FURIA
  • FUT Esports
  • G2 Esports
  • GAM Esports
  • Gen.G
  • Gentle Mates
  • GodLike
  • HEROIC
  • JD Gaming
  • Leviatan
  • MOUZ
  • NAVI
  • NIP.eStar
  • NRG
  • ONIC
  • REJECT
  • S8UL
  • Sentinels
  • T1
  • Team Falcons
  • Team Heretics
  • Team Liquid
  • Team RRQ
  • Team Secret
  • Team Spirit
  • Team Vitality
  • Titan Esports Club
  • Twisted Minds
  • Virtus.pro
  • Weibo Gaming
  • Wolves Esports
  • ZETA DIVISION

The combined audience of these 40 clubs exceeds 300 million fans worldwide. India now has two representatives in this group, up from one in 2025. Notably absent is Revenant XSpark, which had also applied for the program earlier this year but was not selected.

What this means for Indian esports

Having two Indian clubs in the EWC Club Partner Program is significant for a few reasons.

First, the funding. Up to $1 million per organization is serious capital in the Indian esports market. S8UL and GodLike can use this to build international rosters, produce content targeting global audiences, and run fan activations at a scale that domestic sponsorships alone cannot support.

Second, the visibility. The EWC 2025 attracted 500 million viewers globally, including 10.5 million from India. Having two Indian clubs actively promoting and competing at EWC 2026 increases the chances that Indian audience numbers grow substantially this year.

Third, the precedent. S8UL’s 2025 selection opened the door. GodLike walking through it in 2026 normalizes Indian participation in the program. If both perform well this year, three or four Indian organizations in 2027 becomes realistic.

The EWC 2026 runs July 6 to August 23 in Riyadh. The full competition schedule includes 25 events across titles like League of Legends, Valorant, CS2, Dota 2, Fortnite Reload, Trackmania, PUBG Mobile, and more. S8UL and GodLike still need to qualify for individual competitions through standard pathways, but the Club Partner Program ensures they have the resources and platform to compete globally regardless of specific tournament results.

Frequently asked questions

What is the EWC Club Partner Program?

A $20 million annual initiative by the Esports Foundation that provides up to $1 million in funding per club, plus strategic support and fan engagement opportunities, to 40 elite esports organizations worldwide.

Which Indian teams are in the EWC 2026 Club Partner Program?

S8UL (second consecutive year) and GodLike Esports (first time). Revenant XSpark applied but was not selected.

Does being a Club Partner guarantee a spot at EWC 2026?

No. Club Partner selection provides funding and support, but teams must still qualify for each game’s EWC competition through standard qualification pathways.

When is the Esports World Cup 2026?

July 6 to August 23, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event features 25 competitions across 24 games with a $75 million total prize pool.

How much funding do S8UL and GodLike receive?

Up to $1 million each (roughly Rs 9.4 Crore), depending on their social media engagement and promotional activities throughout the season.

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