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Karmine Corp Returns to Esports World Cup Club Partner Program
Karmine Corp have been reinstated into the Esports World Cup Club Partner Program. A former staple of the previous two iterations (2024, 2025), Karmine Corp was originally left out of the 2026 program. However, a suddenly available slot as well as external circumstances have allowed for the French organization to return to the program ahead of the Esports World Cup’s start date in July.
Heroic Clears the Way
Following the announcement on May 15th by the Esports Foundation that Heroic would be departing from the Partner Program, Karmine Corp was among the names floated to replace. Heroic’s departure was linked to their exit from Dota 2 as well as ‘internal organizational changes’.
Karmine Corp had originally been left out of the list of 40 announced partner clubs for the 2026 Esports World Cup edition. The reason for their exclusion had been cited by the Esports Foundation as a choice to ‘prioritize expansion into new regions over an already well-represented European scene.’
“The 2026 cohort reflects the global reach and continued development of esports across regions.”
Karmine Corp are currently listed to participate in 3 esports titles: League of Legends, Valorant, and Rocket League. The organization finished 14th-18th place in 2025's Club Championship while representing 6 esports titles last year: League of Legends, Rocket League, Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Teamfight Tactics, and Valorant. Notably, Karmine Corp emerged the champion for Rocket League at EWC 2025.
EWC Rumored to Relocate to France
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has fanned rumors of a potential relocation of the Esports World Cup from Saudi Arabia—where it has been held for the past 2 iterations—to France this year.
While no official confirmation has yet been released, the selection of Karmine Corp would indeed be fortuitous to mobilize the French audience. With the addition of Karmine Corp, all three notable French esports organizations—Team Vitality, Gentle Mates, and Karmine Corp—are now confirmed Club Partners.
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Featured Image Credit: Karmine COrp
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