On July 17, Vici Gaming secured a win over Team Falcons in the Esports World Cup 2026 Dota 2 semifinals held in Paris. The match has stirred excitement not just for the competitive comeback of Chinese Dota 2 but also because the tournament features sponsorship from major crypto exchanges.
The EWC 2026 runs from July 7 to 19, boasting a $2 million prize pool for Dota 2 within an overall $75 million pot shared across multiple esports games. This scale draws attention far beyond the usual esports fanbase.
Crypto firms enter esports with official backing
Coinbase and Bitget made history as the first crypto companies to sponsor the Esports World Cup, thanks to updated French regulations that now permit licensed digital asset firms to back esports events. Unlike the unregulated spree seen during 2021-2022, when FTX sponsored everything from stadiums to Formula 1 cars before its collapse, these deals reflect a more mature and legally compliant approach.
Chinese teams like Vici Gaming and Team Falcons benefit from the EWC’s Club Partner Program, which offers up to $1 million in funding per club, strengthening the region’s competitive presence. Vici Gaming also earned a spot in The International 2026 by defeating Yakutou Brothers in June, with TI 2026 scheduled to take place in Shanghai.
Crypto sponsorship in esports is gaining legitimacy. France’s clear regulatory framework may serve as a model for other markets. If major tournaments like TI 2026 incorporate similar partnerships, especially with Asian crypto exchanges, it would mark a lasting shift in how esports events are financed and how crypto brands connect with new users.
This material is for informational purposes and not financial advice.
