As an IESF Board member and in his newly appointed position as Chair of the Gaming for Good Commission, which is responsible for society contribution in the form of organizing charity events, donations, and promoting community wellbeing activities, he expressed his commitment to achieving the potential of Esports and spreading its values worldwide. Prince Omar also emphasized Esports’ role in fostering greater inclusivity across sports, especially in offering opportunities to women and those with disabilities.

Prince Omar said:

“It is not just a game. Esports offer a unique opportunity for the youth to transform their lives, and it goes beyond the realm of mere gameplay. Esports doesn’t discriminate, it levels the playing field and enables individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, to participate and excel. I would also like to include more women and promote mixed teams. We study together, so why can’t we play together? Esports not only hone communication skills but also transcend physical boundaries. Gamers can be of all races and colors. You don’t know who you’re talking to behind the microphone. Gaming has opened up doors to understanding and appreciating other cultures.”

Prince Omar is determined to address the challenges faced by Esports athletes, including toxic environments and equal access to servers for all gamers.

He added:

“We must educate players and create a safe space where everyone can compete without fear. Proper internet infrastructure is essential to make gaming accessible to all. Equal access to servers also ensures a balanced playing field, no matter where you compete from, and will empower everyone to perform at their best. Under the leadership of the IESF President and in collaboration with my fellow Board members, I would like to use my board position and my role as the head of the Gaming for Good Commission to make gaming accessible to as many as possible across the world, especially the underprivileged. Esports can contribute to bringing down social barriers and foster greater inclusivity and equality in a way that many sports cannot. Esports does not discriminate and we have a responsibility to do all we can to attract more girls, women and those with disabilities to play, enjoy, and be empowered through Esports.”

The IESF warmly welcomes Prince Omar and looks forward to the positive impact his expertise and vision will bring to the world of Esports.

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Hongfeng currently serves as the Vice Chairman of Taishan Sports Industry Group and President of Shenzhen Taishan Sports Technology Co., Ltd. He has overseen numerous sports technology research projects designed for some of the most renowned international sports organizations and bodies. Taishan Sports received the Gold Award during the 2018 China Excellent Industrial Design Awards. 

Hongfeng also serves as the People’s Representative of Dezhou City and Vice Secretary-General of the Jinan City Youth Entrepreneurs Association. His commitment and involvement in youth development and extensive experience in sports technology and public administration in China will significantly contribute to IESF’s vision, goals, and objectives. 

“We are extremely proud to welcome Bian Hongfeng to the IESF Board. His dedication and expertise in esports, technology, and youth will significantly contribute to IESF’s mission of uniting the World Esports Family and the advancement of esports. We look forward to further growing IESF’s presence in China and working together to solidify the region as a global esports hub.”

IESF Secretary General Boban Totovski

IESF recently signed a strategic partnership with the Chinese city of Qingdao to promote esports growth and development within the Asian region. A new IESF Asia-Pacific office will be established to host international events in Asia and encourage cooperation among key industry stakeholders. 

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Today you’ll learn more about our Board Member Ido Brosh!

Hi Ido! In order for our audience to get to know you better, tell us a few words about yourself.

My name is Ido Brosh, 26, and I’m from Israel. I have been in Esports for most of my life and have played a big part in building the Esports communities in my country. I love the Esports community and I love promoting it.

Why did you join IESF?

IESF always represented opportunities for local communities in my eyes. While big countries enjoy much of the investment in Esports, smaller countries like Israel do not receive the same attention and benefits as the larger markets. IESF always placed emphasis on supporting and promoting Esports in all countries, big and small, and getting local governments to be involved in funding and supporting local communities.

How do you achieve success in your role?

I strive for excellence in everything I do. The cost of doing something well, is usually to dedicate much time and energy. I believe that the balance between being fast to react and innovate, and taking time and energy to develop something that excels, is the key to success.

What energizes you at work?

When I do something, I always envision the end result. How will it work? Who’s going to benefit from it? Which lives (and how many) will be positively impacted and how? This vision gives me energy to do the work – even the boring “paperwork” parts.

What was your first job?

I was a tech-support and sales agent for an Israeli-American technology company that created a product to support writers.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t try to be someone else. It’s OK to take inspiration from others, but the best version of you will come out when you are yourself, not an imitation of someone else.

What’s your go-to productivity trick?

When I feel unmotivated to do something, I like to listen to cinematic rock or electro music from video games and movies. This really gets me going. 

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

I would definitely say that I am an introvert, although it’s probably the lightest form of introvert.

How would your friends describe you?

I would hope to be a motivated go-getter and a professional.

Are you a sports fan? Who are your favorite teams?

Actually, I was never much into sports. When I got into Esports, I also slowly began to take mild interest in traditional sports such as Tennis and chess. I don’t have favorite teams though, I just enjoy watching the games.

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?

Most people don’t know that I also play tennis, and I enjoy writing fictional narratives. 

Who inspires you?

People who are willing, and capable, to lead positive change, even at their own personal cost.

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Today you’ll learn more about our Board Member Alexander Ospina!

Hi Alexander! In order for our audience to get to know you better, tell us a few words about yourself.

I am a person who has been connected with technology for many years, an electronic engineer with a specialization in Management of Olympic Sports Organizations (IOC – International Olympic Committee), serving and practicing Esports for 16 years.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

From a very young age I have been passionate about video games, I went from a video game programmer at Commodore Amiga, to a competitive gamer. My dream has always been to be involved in the world of video games and seek to be seen as athletes.

What do you love most about what you do?

There is nothing better than working on what you have dreamed of and what you enjoy.

How long have you been part of IESF?

My first application to be an IESF member was on August 17, 2011. But it was until March 20, 2020 when I became an associate member, January 21, 2021 full member and September 16, 2021 as a board member.

What energizes you at work?

Technology is the best energizer, being able to enjoy your profession, new goals every day and meeting objectives are the best combination.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

Every weekend I try to isolate myself a bit by traveling to rest areas in my country.

What is your 15 minutes of fame?

I recently presented medals to the DOTA2 runners-up at the IESF World championship in Eilat – Israel. It was less than 15 minutes but it was a great honor.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever done?

I don’t remember anything strange that I did to mark my life

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

Introverted when trying to carry out an idea and extrovert to make the most of it.

What’s your favorite holiday and why?

Christmas is always a very special date. To share and be with the family.

What’s your favorite memory?

When I was a kid, I had no worries. All he wanted was to always play.

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Today you’ll learn more about our board member Daniel Cossi!

Hi Daniel! In order for our audience to get to know you better, tell us a few words about yourself.

Daniel Cossi is an entrepreneur and passionate for mankind and our universe. President of CBDEL-Brazilian Confederation of Esports, President of WESCO – World Esports Consortium, CEO and Chairman of Hainan Esports Entertainment Group based in Shenzhen and Hong Kong,China. Founder and former president of PAMESCO – Pan American Esports Confederation. 

Why did you join the IESF Family?

I joined the IESF family back in 2015 and Brazil is a loyal supporter having brought IESF side by side with CBDEL for the first time in an Olympic event Rio 2016 Olympics for the whole Olympic and Paralímpic event. And as WESCO the partnership was established because this is how it should be done: UNITED.

What’s one thing that surprised you about being part of IESF’s board?

I joined the Board on behalf of WESCO as its president. The one thing that makes me believe in the new IESF is exactly their new Boards, business model, but above all a Presidency that is congruent with the values I believe and apply in life, in WESCO and above all in eSports, it is the respect for the category to bring integrity for this ecosystem dedicated to our athletes.

What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?

I’m in the private sector and as CEO of different companies before I started my own entrepreneurs, I created many standards for labour security and Legal rights. In technology I created many different tools to secure bank transactions that now are used in the whole world. And in marketing, merchandising I was responsible for creating, designing, licensing and translating the two blockbusters movie trilogies franchises, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, for which I won many awards. For Esports first I have created many Esports Law Projects (Bid) to recognize and regulate the institutional Esports, for many different countries in the past 10 years, the second is the solid WESCO and it’s infrastructure, and the third is the events and projects we conduct in China such as the esports international programs: “Cities of Esports” now being conducted in Hainan and Shenzhen, China with investments in the order of US$ 2.3 billions, “Changing the People, Changing the World” first started in 2019 in Shijiazhuang, China where we create Esports Educational and Excellence Centers with Esports related capacitation categories such as Referee, commentators, players coaches, but also Internet programming, 3D programming, Mathematics, Languages, History and etc., and now this project is going to Nigeria, Venezuela, Mexico and other countries, and “Ambassadors of Esports” to bring awareness to Esports fair play and correct understanding as a regular sports with celebrities from sports, music and movies such as Cafu (former soccer player and  Brazilian Captain of the Brazilian National Soccer team, first participate in Shijiazhuang promoting the first multidisciplinar Esports Educational and Excellence Centre), Renzo Gracie, Jarno Truly, and so many others, and fourth I have conducted and produced Esports Events in an annual basis for WESCO, and privately for many companies such as the former WCA (World Cyber Arena) dealing with the logistics from 400 to 600 athletes in each event. I also founded and patroness the Pan American Esports Confederation and in both WESCO (with up to 765 members) and PAMESCO I have created their members businesses models, mkt models, governance models, Esports operational models, and articulate conversations with their governs to recognize and understand the Esports.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had, and what did you learn from it?

Literally there is not one single job I have done or accepted in my life that I made a mistake or had any sort of regrets. Everything I have ever done to work was successful as hard as it can be to believe.

Who inspires you?

Human beings, our very existence in such a harsh environment considering the whole universe and how it is created, is a privilege to exist and we MUST make it worthy.

What kind of music do you like?

I am an eclectic music sommelier, from hard rock, to electronic and classic, and I do have a passion for Opera specially it’s popular phase with the coming of singers such as Pavarotti, which I get to know personally long time ago,  btw I  am a classic piano musician, instrument that I play since my 8 years old.

Do you like reading? If so, what genre of books do you like?

I am addicted to books, their smell, their touch, their looks, and my incredibly crazy passion for books and READING. I am proud to have read more than 4500 books since I was a kid, at 5 years old (yes very young) and now I have my beloved personal library with 4523 books since my last account, which makes me in debt to read another 23 new books waiting for me in my shelves.

What’s something that recently made you smile?

The news about my grandson coming from my first born daughter, and by the way she was formed Esports Referee by IESF in 2016. In fact she is the first female International Level Esports Referee in the world. She is now VP of Referees at WESCO, her name is Kathleen Cossi.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?

This is still to happen, but I am all ears.

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Today you’ll learn more about our Communications Coordinator and Graphic Designer Goce Spasovski!

Hi Goce! In order for our audience to get to know you better, tell us a few words about yourself.

I have always been honest, for some immodest, but that’s me. Talented, always motivated and creative graphic designer with great communications skills, with a refined eye for photography and beautiful things. How refined is my eye, you will find out if you only look at my wife and she really is my gentler half because we both together are forming a nominal-weight person.

What do you love most about what you do?

That my work is constantly creative, surrounded by plenty of ideas, and always unique in its own way.

What was the worst job you ever had?

Since I always choose the job I love, I have to say that I have never worked in my life. That is why I am not competent to answer this question. And I’m pretty sure there’s no worst job. If you like the job, then take it, otherwise, just leave it. Surely there is someone who likes what you do not like.

What behaviour or personality trait do you most attribute your success to, and why?

Primarily because of the competitive spirit that prevails within me, then because of the excessive curiosity and self-motivation, and of course because some people have installed and are still installing great values for me to follow through.

What’s your dream job?

I have the dream job at the moment and I am extremely happy and thankful for that. Esports can be a hobby, a profession, or just a way of entertaining your own life. For me, Esports is a career.

Do you have a mentor? If so, tell us about them.

Many people are my mentors, but even today they have no such an idea for that. I haven’t used a cliché in a long time, so now is the moment. A lifelong speech mentor will be my mom and my uncle, then a mentor for positive energy – my sister, mentor for the refined beauty and style – my dad (just to see how much we look alike). In the recent past I have also had a mentor for honesty – that is my adorable daughter. And for the last 15 years, I have had a single mentor from whom I have established key-lasting values. Thank you, Toto!

What’s the best advice you’ve ever heard?

“A wild person with a calm mind can make anything.” And I am still wondering if there is someone who can be calmer than me ???

What’s something that recently made you smile?

One day while we were sitting in the living room, my daughter suddenly told me – “Dad I want you to enroll me to be a ballerina!” Even though I do not know why I told her bluntly – “I won’t!”. And she turned to me, looked at me, and asked me even more directly – “And why, is it difficult?” I have never smiled more sincerely until then.

What’s your favourite TV show?

If I have to choose between TV shows and movies, I am not sure which model of sports car to buy next in the Real Racing 3 mobile game.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would they be?

How much does it cost to meet everyone? And … I will pay you by invoice.

What’s the most embarrassing thing to ever happen to you?

The most? Really? Wow, once upon a time I forgot what I had forgotten… (here come those inaudible voices from a distance).

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

I am too extroverted to be an introverted person. I am the kind of person who trusts almost anyone because I know that trust is the most valuable thing for long-term relationships.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

Catching up on the beauties all around me with my lifetime companion, my camera, so I can enjoy all that beauty again and again and again… As I said earlier, my eye needs to be fed with beautiful things all the time.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

In a better place than 127.0.0.1 :). This means that I am living every present moment, so I am always where I am meant to be. Please ask me this question when teleportation will officially work, and I will tell you exactly where I am gonna be in the next moment.

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Today you’ll learn more about our Secretariat Operations Associate Chloe Heo!

Hi Chloe! In order for our audience to get to know you better, tell us a few words about yourself.

I shall say, Curiosity is the best word that I could introduce myself. My whole life goes through with my own curiosity. And this is the reason why I learn, I experience and work.

What do you like the most about your job?

The most important thing is that I am very interested in my job. Right now I could tell you that I am working on & assisting the communication with our member nations and the establishment of an Anti-Doping system in esports.

Who do you look up to within the company?

I could not pick a single person. To be honest, I respect all people who are eager to develop the esports industry of their own countries.

What’s a skill you’d like to improve on?

Nowadays, I would like to improve my gaming skills so that I can be a “Gosu”, as I always desire to win all the games that I play. Seriously.

What’s your favorite holiday?

I love every special holiday that could give me a rest.

Do you like roller coasters?

Yes. I like it’s speed and thrilling moments. My first roller coaster experience was T-Express in Everland, Korea.

I was always afraid of it. But after my senior pushed me to try, I really liked it. After that, whenever I visit there, it makes me rush towards the roller coaster.

What’s your favorite memory?

Very hard to answer because luckily, I used to have good memories during my whole life. But if I must choose, I would like to say, Traveling around the world without COVID-19.

Everytime I see a picture of myself traveling to the UK and Spain, it makes me think of my past.

Are you a coffee or tea person?

A coke person. But if I must choose between coffee or tea, I would say tea.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Be alive. Stay healthy. Chloe. Wherever you stay.

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Today you’ll learn more about our Global Programs & Media Supervisor Imy Park! 

Hi Imy! In order for our audience to get to know you better, tell us a few words about yourself.

During my university years, one of my professionals used to tell me that I worked like a “Trojan.” I am ambitious and driven. I thrive on challenges and constantly set goals for myself. I’m always looking for an opportunity to do better and achieve greatness.

How long have you been part of IESF?

Wow, time flies! The 3rd anniversary of being an IESF family is in 2022.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

Meeting passionate and energetic people from all over the world and learning from IESF leadership and colleagues from each other.

What’s your most-used productivity hack?

“Creating shared goals within a team” and “Keeping the end in mind.” Creating a solid team spirit based around shared goals, achievements and rewards to increase productivity and teamwork, and thinking about the positive consequences of getting to the end.

What’s something you find challenging about your work?

This is inevitable as I work for an international organization. Still, it isn’t easy and challenging that I cannot work 24/7 to communicate with our Esports family even if I try to do that.

How did you enter the Esports world?

It’s destiny that I got a job offer during the IESF’s annual Global Esports Executive Summit (GEES) back in 2018 while working for a conference agency. I’ve always been interested in being part of an international body and more for Esports while working with the IESF team, its members and stakeholders for Esports and GEES. I was excited about being part of the World Esports Family and the endless opportunities ahead with IESF.

If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?

I would like to take more than one, but if I have to say one only, I would say water, the clean water.

What kind of music do you like?

It changes from time to time, but a song that can cheer me up at the beginning and end of the day with great lyrics. I recently started my morning with Loving Caliber’s Lucky Day.

The best book you’ve read recently?

It’s not the most recent book I’ve read, but I would like to introduce “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail.” The book inspired me throughout the writer’s physical challenges and emotional and spiritual realizations while on the trail. The book came out as a movie as well. I recommend everyone to watch it!

What animal would you consider your spirit animal?

I’m the wolf. The power of the wolf brings forth instinct, intelligence, appetite for freedom, and awareness of the importance of social connections. Wolf symbolism and meaning include loyalty, family and friendship, teamwork, protection, wildness, freedom, instincts, playfulness, and other noble traits.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would they be?

Definitely Vincent van Gogh! Part of his letter to his brother Theo is the quote of my life. I feel like he is holding me when I’m going through a tough time or struggling with something in my life. Now I’m going through a similar period of struggle and despondency, of patience and impatience, of hope and desolation. But I must plod on and anyway, after a while I’ll understand more about making watercolours. If it were that easy, one wouldn’t take any pleasure in it. And it’s exactly the same with painting.

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Starting with our General Secretary  Boban Totovski, the problem solver and communication master!

Hi Boban! In order for our audience to get to know you better, tell us a few words about yourself.

Esports veteran for 16 years. I never competed professionally, but have always been in the ecosystem. I am still struggling between my manager side and gamer side, but with age comes wisdom so now I am managing in the gaming industry.

How long have you been part of IESF and how do you achieve success in your role?

Almost 2 years. It has been a true challenge with COVID-19 hitting the world right after the elections. On the other hand, it gave me proper time to learn the processes and adjust accordingly. I helped the organization grow and restructure and it is my ultimate goal to establish IESF as the unifying body for esports. 

What do you love most about what you do?

The speed that everything is happening. It’s developing so fast, and what you know today, can easily become old news tomorrow. In my nature, I love challenges and this is a big one. 

If you could write your own job title that best describes what you do here, what would it be?

Problem solver, maybe? There isn’t such a position invented, but it should be there

What’s one thing you’re really bad at?

I can’t say NO. I accept everything and try everything and still believe that everything is possible.

What’s one thing you’re really good at?

As the title says, solving problems. Quick thinking and fast adaptation to the situation. 

What nickname do you prefer to be called?

Everyone here calls me Toto

Coffee or tea?

COFFEE

Favourite music.

I love Hard rock, Metallica is my favorite band.

Who inspires you?

That would be our president, Vlad. Ever since I met him in 2016 I knew our paths will cross again and that I will be able to learn from the best. 

Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room?

Funniest, 100%. We should all enjoy life as much as possible. 

Let’s talk about Esports! What are your goals and how do you think Esports will grow and develop in the next few years?

My goals are to make the players more appreciated, all of them, not just the professionals. Majority of Esports players are underappreciated and I want to change that. Esports will be an official sport, we will see it on major events worldwide and hopefully one day at the Olympics. 

What does Esports mean to you?

It’s my passion and I love it. I live, breathe and talk Esports 24/7. It’s my life!

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