IASI – FROM HISTORIC CAPITAL OF ROMANIA TO ESPORTS CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

by PESF in 2023-01-27

The conclusion of the 14th World Championship in Bali left little room for summarizing impressions because the IESF team is already preparing for the next challenge – the 15th World Esport Championships to be held in Iasi, Romania. Even better known as the historical capital of Romania, Iasi has been given the honor of hosting the biggest Esports event in the world this year. With more than 600 esports athletes coming from 120 countries, this cultural giant is preparing for one of the biggest challenges in its recent history. From the very beginning, the entire team has been focused on achieving a single goal – breaking last year’s records and elevating esports to the level it deserves.Top experts who have gathered their experience through top esports events from all parts of the world have joined the team to share their knowledge and ensure that the experience called Iasi 2023 achieves a level of spectacularity that will resonate to the farthest corners of the world. The amazing architecture, the young population and the high concentration of companies from the IT industry are prerequisites that every organizer can only wish for. The IESF team started its journey to Iasi, in parallel preparing for the national qualifiers as the first step needed to book a place in this year’s capital of esports.

INTERNATIONAL ESPORTS FEDERATION PICKS INDIA’S BIG BANG

by PESF in 2023-01-01

ang Bang Media Ventures (BBMVPL) joins hands with The International Esports Federation (IESF) to launch the inaugural Asia Open Esports Championship from January 30th, 2023 until March 15th, 2023. Over 35 countries are expected to participate in the championship which is expected to be the most prominent in the area spanning the regions of Asia and the Middle East. The online event will hold four games and three skill-based categories; amateurs, mid-core, and professionals. President of the IESF Vlad Marinescu said: “We are delighted to partner with Big Bang Media Ventures (BBMVPL) for ‘The IESF Asia Open Esports Games’. This unique championship reaffirms our collective commitment to making esports truly immersive and inclusive and provides every gamer the opportunity to compete with the best across borders. IESF is very excited at the possibilities this event could bring to life even beyond the vibrant regions of Asia and the Middle East.” Big Bang Media Venture is owned by popular Bollywood producer Madhu Mantena and banker and entrepreneur, Ravneet Gill and will look to dominate a multi-hyphenate entertainment and learning ecosystem.Madhu Mantena and Ravneet Gill said: “Gaming is one of the biggest social and cultural megatrends of all times and we are delighted to have been chosen by the IESF as their partners to host the IESF Asia Open. Asia and the Middle East are two of the most dynamic and passionate esports regions in the world and we want to create a championship environment that is competitive, collaborative, and fun. The intention is as much to build the champions of tomorrow as it is to build large and engaged borderless communities by making esports mainstream. Also, given BBMVPL’s peerless credentials in entertainment content production and sports and esports education, we see this as an opportunity to redefine gaming content and turbocharge the creator economy”.

THE LARGEST ESPORTS CHAMPIONSHIPS COME TO AN END

by PESF in 2022-12-15

The International Esports Federation (IESF) concluded the 14th World Esports Championships Finals, after ten days of thrilling competition, social programs, and a spectacular medal ceremony in Bali, Indonesia. Over 600 players representing a historic 105 countries competed at the 14th WE Championships across six games: CS:GO, Dota 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, eFootball ™ 2023, Tekken 7, and PUBG Mobile. After the national and regional qualifiers, play-in stages, finals, and Grand Finals, 7 teams emerged triumphant, winning the $500,000 prize pool. Indonesia shocked the world by winning three of the seven titles and as a result becoming the 2022 WE Champion Nation. The 492 hours of fierce competition currently has surpassed 10 million views from a record-breaking 497 matches, also reaching more than 3 million views on TikTok and 185.4 M impressions across other social media platforms. The final detailed media report has been commissioned to Nielsen to understand the full reach of the 53 clean feeds provided for localized broadcasting. During the Closing Ceremony, the winners were crowned and all of the athletes were celebrated for their endurance and sportsmanship. The re-elected president of IESF Vlad Marinescu presented the champions with the WE Championships trophy and delivered closing remarks to conclude the historic event. IESF President Vlad Marinescu said in his speech: “Congratulations to Indonesia for hosting the Esports Family and becoming the 2022 WE Champion Nation, and our gold medalists; Indonesia, Kazakhstan, North Macedonia, Pakistan, and Poland. We are grateful to experience the Bali hospitality and grateful to the nation for making History! IESF’s values of respect, friendship, and courage were on full display throughout these ten days of competition. We thank the athletes for their passion and human values displayed at the World Esports Championships Finals – you have broken barriers and borders displaying the union and unity between 105 competing nations, Bali we have made History!” Indonesia’s passion for esports energized every competition, with emotional and enthusiastic athletes, families, and fans gathering together to cheer on all of the action, particularly the first-ever women’s CS:GO tournament, which proved to be a significant step towards creating more opportunities for women in esports and building a more inclusive World Esports Family.

Farewell Istanbul 2022 – Hello Riyadh 2023

by PESF in 2023-01-15

As the Istanbul 2022 Global Esports Games wrapped, eyes are turned to Saudi Arabia’s capital, the host of this year’s edition of the Global Esports Federation’s flagship event – Riyadh 2023 Global Esports Games. After a wonderful time in Türkiye, the organizers are rallying to stage a thrilling event in December 2023. For HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, GEF Vice President, President of the Saudi Esports Federation and Arab Esports Federation, there is further responsibility in his new role as Chair of the Coordination Commission of the Global Esports Games 2023 in Saudi Arabia and 2024 in China.

Global Esports Games 2021

by PESF in 2021-09-13

The Global Esports Federation and the Singapore Esports Association (SGEA) have established the Global Esports Games Organizing Committee (GEGOC), and signed a consultancy partnership with IMG, a global leader in sports, lifestyle, and media events. IMG will work across a range of areas including production of 30 hours of live content, event management, marketing, media distribution and sponsorship rights. Co-Chairs of the Coordination Commission for the Global Esports Games, Olympian Angela Ruggiero and Luzeng Song, welcomed the IMG announcement as we head into the final stretch towards the Global Esports Games in Singapore this December. “The entire #worldconnected community is excited to get back to what we all love – great global events. The team in Singapore, together with IMG, are working around the clock to ensure we can do that at the highest level with health and safety at the forefront – we can’t wait,” said Ruggiero. “SGEA is honored to be part of the organizing committee alongside capable individuals and will take precautionary steps to ensure that all participants and fans are safe during the GEG and in compliance to the prevailing pandemic advisory in Singapore. We continue to stand in unity with other members of the Global Esports Federation as we progress into the new normal,” said Ng Chong Geng, President of Singapore Esports Association. “Our annual flagship event, the Global Esports Games, sets the stage for esports athletes and our dynamic community to shine. Our entire #worldconnected community is looking forward to the first GEG in Singapore – making new friends, cheering new heroes, and Global Esports Games Champions from around the world,” remarked GEF CEO, Paul J. Foster. The Global Esports Games will run from December 17-19, 2021, and will feature multi-title esports competitions, GEFcon – the GEF’s global convention of thought leaders, and GEFestival – the dynamic celebration of esports, youth culture, and much more.

OCA announces esports competition

by PESF in 2021-09-09

Hangzhou, China, September 8, 2021: The Olympic Council of Asia has announced the titles for the debut of esports as an official medal sport at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China in September 2022. There will be eight medal events, plus two demonstration games, reflecting the popularity and growth of electronic sports in China and Asia. The announcement of the games titles was made on the first day of the two-day Chefs de Mission Seminar video conference for the 19th Asian Games on Wednesday, September 8. The Director General of the OCA, Mr Husain Al-Musallam, said: “We hope that this announcement allows all participating teams ample time to prepare and equip themselves ahead of the qualifying stages. “I believe we have ticked all the right boxes ensuring a high level of competition which promises great viewing for enthusiasts and casuals alike. “We at the OCA are looking forward to working closely with our friends at the Asian Electronic Sports Federation and the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee to ensure a successful execution of the esports event at the 2022 Asian Games.” The Asian Electronic Sports Federation, which is based in Hong Kong, China, has been appointed Technical Delegate of the esports competition at the 19th Asian Games by the OCA. The AESF will be in charge of the qualifying competition and for the operation and management of the esports competition in Hangzhou. The eight official events, and publisher, are: 1、Arena of Valor Asian Games Version 2、Dota 2 3、Dream Three Kingdoms 2 4、EA SPORTS FIFA branded soccer games 5、HearthStone 6、League of Legends 7、PUBG Mobile Asian Games Version 8、Street Fighter V The two demonstration events are: 9、AESF Robot Masters-Powered by Migu 10、AESF VR Sports-Powered by Migu Note: Esports was added to the Asian Games sports programme at the OCA General Assembly in Muscat, Oman on December 16, 2020. It was a demonstration sport at the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia in 2018, meaning that medals did not count in the official medal rankings.

OCA Confirms AESF As Technical Delegate for Esports at 2022 Asian Games

by PESF in 2021-03-01

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) have announced the introduction of ‘Road to Asian Games,’ the official qualifier program for esports at Asian Games, starting with the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. This news comes with the reconfirmation that the AESF takes charge of all the matters of technical conduct for esports at Asian Games as the sole Technical Delegate. The AESF will also be responsible for selecting the esports event titles to be contested for the qualifiers and finals at Asian Games and make the final confirmation on the selected titles in collaboration with the OCA. As the exclusive organizer of ‘Road to Asian Games,’ the official qualifier program and esports competition at Asian Games, the AESF will oversee the qualifying and final tournament structure for all esports events at Asian Games including the responsibility to identify the finalists for their respective esports event titles through regional qualifying competitions as part of the campaign. The campaign will begin in Hangzhou 2022, and with AESF to continue the organization of Esports through to Nagoya 2026, Doha 2030 and beyond. With esports making its debut as an official medal sport at the 2022 Asian Games, this campaign will lay the foundation in bringing the Olympic Values and Movement to esports to Asia as well as the world. In addition, as part of the program, the AESF plans to include virtual and simulating event titles to the ‘Road to Asian Games’ and finals competition as a demonstration event, which will further encourage and expand the esports scope from traditional titles which are recognised as console, computer or mobile esports game events. More than just an esports event, the ‘Road to Asian Games’ and finals at the 19th Asian Games shall exhibit the growth of esports from competitive gaming event to an official sport event. Moreover, the ‘Road to Asian Games’ will play the important role to introduce a direct pathway that allows publishers to be part of Asian Games. This initiative will be the first of its kind to bring fair and equal opportunities to all publishers and advance esports developments not just for Asia, but worldwide. Furthermore, the 'Road to Asian Games’ campaign will also include a focus on grassroots development, inclusion programs, career pathways, health and wellbeing support, as well as athlete’s rights and protection. As part of the Asian Games community outreach, the AESF will deliver and execute the ‘AESF Experience Program’ with full support from the OCA where AESF will aim to connect esports with athletes, fans, and local communities. This initiative will include a plan of an esports zone at the Asian Games Athletes Village, OCA House, and Fan Zones. To officialise the partnership for the ‘Road to Asian Games’ campaign and the confirmation on the roles and responsibilities of AESF, an official Signing Ceremony was held with the OCA Director-General Dr. Husain AHZ Al-Musallam, OCA Director of Sports Mr. Haider A H E Farman, AESF President Mr. Kenneth Fok, and AESF Director-General Mr. Sebastian Lau in attendance.

Esports Returns, Now As Medal Sport At 2022 Asian Games

by PESF in 2020-12-18

The Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) is excited to officially announce that esports will be featured as a medal sport in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. This development means all medals won under the esports category count directly into a country’s overall tally in the medal standings. This achievement is the result of several years of collective effort involving not only the AESF, but also the unyielding support from the Olympic Council of Asia, AESF member associates, local organizing committees and other collaborative partners. For that, we are forever grateful. The announcement whilst welcomed, isn’t a surprising one. Esports have been featured in a multi-sports event since making its debut in 2017 at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. At the Asian Games in 2018, esports made its Asian Games debut by featuring six game titles in Jakarta. In 2019, the Manila SEA Games made history as for the first time ever, esports was included as a medal sport in a regional multi-sports event. The momentum carries on as in 2021, esports will again be part of the festivities at the 2021 SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam. Bringing things back to a full circle since its appearance at AIMAG 2017, esports will return to AIMAG in 2021, this time in Chonburi, Thailand. At the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, esports athletes were accorded similar status and treatment as their traditional sports counterparts. This significantly changed the perspective of esports, and boosted its image especially among non-enthusiasts. Excited with this development, IESPA (Indonesian Electronic Sports Association) President, Eddy Lim conveyed his congratulations to AESF and his counterpart in China for this great news. “On behalf of IESPA and the Indonesian esports community, I am very happy for this development. I hope everything that was achieved in 2018 would provide a solid foundation base to make esports at the 2022 Asian Games a larger and grander event. We are more than happy to share all resources and ideas for our counterparts in Hangzhou should they require any, and I cannot wait to see what they have in store for the esports scene.” Also welcoming the news was Mr. Haider A H E Farman, OCA Director of Sport who said “It would be a great honor for everybody to have (the esports community) participate in the games as players and technical officials. I hope that esports would add value - and I am sure it will for the Asian Games 2022 and beyond that” “The AESF, as continental federation, will be in charge of all technical and operation issues during the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022. I look to cooperate with the AESF, during and before” he added. Commenting on this historic move, the AESF President, Mr Kenneth Fok said “I am thrilled for this news and fully welcome it. This isn’t only a success story for AESF alone - but the esports community as a whole. Our past successes are rightfully celebrated but we always look forward to bigger and better achievements. Seeing esports returning to the Asian Games in 2022 is a great landmark to achieve following years of hard work and commitment. A special you to the OCA for entrusting us with this honor, and we promise to make the best out of this opportunity”. The addition of esports at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou not only represents the synergy between AESF and OCA in championing esports, but also OCA’s commitment in evolving and progressing with the times. The AESF would like to wholeheartedly thank our colleagues at OCA for the confidence entrusted upon us. Esports is closer to its rightful position in the competitive sporting scene and we look forward to a continuous and concentrated effort from everyone involved.

Global Esports Games Singapore 2021

by PESF in 2021-08-10

Launching a runway into worldwide expansion, the Global Esports Federation Board today unveils the first three host cities for its premier flagship event: Singapore 2021, Istanbul 2022 and Riyadh 2023. The Global Esports Games, held each year in December, will convene the world in a celebration of esports, virtual sport, music and entertainment. The GEG will feature teams from across the world participating in multi-title esports competitions and active esports. In parallel, GEFcon, a global convention of thought leaders, and the GEFestival, a dynamic celebration of inclusive esports culture highlighting music, art, technology, fashion, food and much more, promise to add to the diverse, immersive and world-class program. “The first Global Esports Games to be held in December this year will provide the opportunity to showcase esports to the world”, said Ng Chong Geng, President, Singapore Esports Association (SGEA). "We are grateful to have the opportunity to host this truly historic event". Co-Chairs of the Coordination Commission for the Global Esports Games, Angela Ruggiero and Luzeng Song, noted that appointing the right host cities is a key to success. “We will lend our support and guidance so the host cities can unleash their full potential,” Ruggiero said, “and so the incredible untold stories of the power of esports – and sport as the future of entertainment – can be unlocked, too.” Paul J. Foster, Chief Executive Officer, Global Esports Federation, said the energy, skill and passion of esports, and the technologies that drive it, are captured in the GEF motto: #worldconnected. Carrying that forward to the Global Esports Games, he said, “We have listened to the athletes and players, the incredible publishers and developers, and the wider community to create a platform for athletes to shine, representing countries and territories as in other prestigious multi-sport competitions.”

World E-Sports League 2021

by PESF in 2021-08-02

"WSL, with 50 countries participating, announces official game titles" TechnoBlood eSports (CEO Takefumi Morishima) has confirmed the official game titles of the World eSports League and announced that players from 50 countries are currently competing in the National Final to participate in the Global Final. WSL, a global eSports event, accredited by the International Esports Federation (IESF), has revealed its official game titles - KRAFTON, Inc.'s PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS (PUBG), Supercell’s Brawl Stars, Nimble Neuron’s Eternal Return and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment’s Tekken 7. The National Final will be held through the online tournament platform 'PlayPot' (wsl.playpot.net) for three months from July to September 2021, and players who will participate in the Global Final will be confirmed in mid-October. The 50 countries participating in the National Final include 16 countries in Asia-Oceania (Korea, Japan, Malaysia, etc.), 9 countries in America (USA, Chile, Argentina, etc.), 18 countries in Europe (Russia, Finland, Portugal, etc.) and 7 countries in ME-Africa (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, South Africa, etc.). The Global Final of WSL is coming to Korea in December 2021 with a total prize money of $400,000. Specific schedules including the host city will be announced in August. TechnoBlood eSports is planning to establish the World eSports League Co., Ltd. in Korea, the home country of eSports, in August for the successful and sustainable global eSports event. The World eSports League Co., Ltd. will be required to properly manage the event and oversee the work of planning, operation, and publicity of WSL tournament.

RECORD 85 COUNTRIES REGISTERED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2021 IESF ESPORTS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

by PESF in 2021-07-01

International Esports Federation (IESF) confirms that eighty-five (85) national members have submitted the first entry registration for the 13th Esports World Championships, EILAT 2021. Esports athletes from 85 nations are set to begin their quests for gold, silver and bronze medals during the national qualifiers taking place between June and August. 61 nations participated in the 2020 World Championships, while 50 participated in the 2019 World Championships. IESF’s 13th Esports World Championship, EILAT 2021, will see athletes compete for national glory in DOTA 2, CS:GO, Tekken 7 and eFootball PES Series. The tournament will be hosted by the Israeli Esports Association and Maccabi World Union. Ido Brosh, President of the Israeli Esports Association and IESF’s Director of Global Programs: “With 85 registered national teams, this year is going to be the greatest yet for the IESF Esports World Championships. I’d like to thank the team at IESF, IESA and Maccabi World Union for their efforts, and I am looking forward to watching the games in the online Regional Stages, ahead of hosting all the national athletes and delegates in the global finals in Eilat”. Following the success of the previous World Championships, participating nations will be divided into continental regions. The Regional Tournaments of the World Championship will be held online from September to October 2021. Finalists from each region and title will be patched to the Finals offline in Eilat, Israel, in November 2021. IESF President Vlad Marinescu stated: “IESF is incredibly excited for the 13th edition of our World Championships, the largest IESF event to date. Eilat 2021 will showcase and unify Esports athletes from a record 85 nations. This a true representation of IESF’s commitment to the growth and development of sustainable and responsible gaming worldwide.” For more information regarding the 13th Esports World Championship, follow the IESF Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. IESF Esports World Championship is IESF’s flagship competition and serves as the world’s only multi-game Esports tournament that features national teams. IESF confirms 85 nations joining its 13th edition of the Esports World Championship, which will feature CS:GO, DOTA, eFootball PES Series and Tekken 7 tournaments. IESF is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 that consistently promotes Esports as a true sport beyond language, race and cultural barriers. IESF is composed of more than 100 members across all continents, organizes annual World Championships and strives to ensure the synergy between stakeholders ensuring athletes rights.