In 2025, IESF is inviting research proposals for the “Establishment of World Esports AI Ethics Guidelines”, in response to the growing impact of both Traditional and Generative AI technologies in the Esports ecosystem.

Proposal Submission Deadline: July 23, 2025

Research should focus on defining the core values of Esports and establishing ethical principles for AI use; identifying and analyzing real-world risks associated with AI technologies; reviewing global AI ethics frameworks; consulting with interdisciplinary experts in AI, Esports, and law; and ultimately developing comprehensive, actionable guidelines that support responsible innovation across the Esports sector.

To view the full research scope, guidelines, and submission instructions, please refer to the RFP document.

Since 2021, IESF has supported academic and standardization research through the World Esports R&D Center, contributing to the scientific and systematic development of the industry. This ongoing effort not only promotes global standardization but also ensures that the future of Esports is guided by ethical responsibility, integrity, and fairness.

For proposal submission details and further inquiries, please contact: emily.cho@iesf.org

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Mr. Santi Lothong from the Thailand Esports Federation was elected as the new President of AESF, securing 22 votes in the election. His victory highlights the strong support for his vision to further strengthen and unify the esports community in Asia. In his role as President, Mr. Lothong will continue to champion the growth of esports and foster closer cooperation between regional esports federations under the AESF umbrella.

AESF Elected Vice Presidents

In addition to the President, the assembly also elected a new group of Vice Presidents, representing all regions of Asia. These regional leaders will play a crucial role in shaping AESF’s strategy and activities, ensuring that each region’s unique challenges and opportunities are addressed. The newly elected Vice Presidents are:

• Central Asia Region: Mr. Doniyorkhon Djuraev (Uzbekistan CyberSport Association)
  
• Southeast Asia Region: Mr. Do Viet Hung (Vietnam Recreational and Electronic Sport Association)
  
• South Asia Region: Mr. Lokesh Suji (Electronic Sports Federation of India)
  
• West Asia Region: Mr. Saeed Sharaf (Syrian Esports Association)
  
• East Asia Region: Mr. Youngman Kim (Korea e-Sports Association)
  

AESF Elected Board Members

The newly elected Executive Board members also bring a wealth of experience and expertise in esports governance and management. Their leadership will be integral in advancing AESF’s mission of fostering regional cooperation and advancing the interests of the esports community throughout Asia. The following individuals have been elected as Executive Board members:

• Mr. Eddy Lim Che Chien (Pengurus Besar Esports Indonesia)
  
• Mr. Joebert Yu (Philippines Esports Organization)
  
• Mr. Mekan Eyeberdiyev (Turkmenistan National e-Sports Federation)
  
• Mr. Lau Chiu (Esports Association of Hong Kong, China)
  
• Mr. Turki Al Fawzan (Saudi Esports Federation)
  

AESF’s new leadership team will focus on continuing the development of esports across Asia, promoting regional integration, and ensuring that the federation remains a strong advocate for esports athletes and communities. Their collective efforts will be directed towards expanding opportunities for esports players, increasing the visibility of esports events, and further elevating Asia’s position on the global esports stage.

As the only governing body for esports, the International Esports Federation is proud of its continued collaboration with AESF. This partnership is ensuring the growth of esports in Asia and worldwide. Together, IESF and AESF remain committed to supporting the esports ecosystem, creating more opportunities for athletes, and driving the recognition of esports as a legitimate and professional sport across all regions. IESF looks forward to working alongside AESF’s new leadership in the years ahead to further elevate the esports movement.

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As Esports continues to strengthen its presence in multi-sport competitions, strong leadership and technical excellence are key to delivering top-tier events. With Mr. Jeff Lam, AESF’s Head of Esports, taking on the role of Technical Delegate, we are confident that the Esports competition at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will uphold the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and professionalism.

The Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will feature an exciting lineup of 11 Esports titles, showcasing the diversity of competitive gaming:

• Competitive Martial Arts
  • Street Fighter Series
  • Tekken Series
  • King of Fighters Series
• Pokémon Unite
• Honor of Kings
• League of Legends
• Peace Elite (Asian Games Version)
• Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
• Identity V
• Naraka: Bladepoint
• Gran Turismo 7
• eFootball
• Puyo Puyo Champions

The continued inclusion of Esports in the Asian Games is a monumental achievement for the World Esports ecosystem. IESF remains committed to fostering collaboration between Esports organizations, national federations, and international governing bodies to elevate the sport’s legitimacy and worldwide reach.

Once again, we extend our congratulations to AESF and look forward to seeing Aichi-Nagoya 2026 set new standards for Esports at the Asian Games. Together, we are shaping the future of Esports!

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The newest additions, Botswana, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Tanzania, mark a significant step in the rapid growth of esports in Africa. Following the success of the African Esports Championship in Casablanca last year, the continent’s esports scene is more ambitious than ever, with increasing participation in regional and international tournaments, and the establishment of dedicated esports organizations. These new members will contribute to the ongoing development of African esports, bringing more opportunities for athletes, teams, and gaming communities across the region.

Each nation is represented by its official national esports organization:

• Botswana – Botswana Electronic Sports Federation
• Central African Republic – Central African Association of Electronic Games
• Equatorial Guinea – Equatorial Guinean Association of Electronic Sports
• Gabon – Gabon Esports and Associated Disciplines
• Tanzania – eSports Federation of Tanzania

IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski stated: “Welcoming these five nations into the IESF family is a proud moment for us. It reflects the continued expansion of esports and the dedication of national federations to providing opportunities for athletes and communities. We remain committed to supporting our members and working together to drive esports forward.”

With 151 member nations, IESF continues its mission to promote esports as a recognized and sustainable sport while providing platforms for athletes worldwide. The federation looks forward to seeing its newest members participate in upcoming initiatives, including the IESF 2025 Season.

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Exciting Competitions Across Three Titles

The games brought together the region’s most talented athletes, competing across three titles:

• MLBB Women
• eFootball
• Arena of Valor

These titles highlighted the skill, strategy, and dedication of athletes competing on one of Esports’ biggest stages in the region. The passion from the athletes and fans made every match an unforgettable experience.

Celebrating the Champions

A huge congratulations to the nations that earned medals in the competition:

• Thailand – Achieving their second gold in Arena of Valor!
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Philippines
• Vietnam
• India
• Chinese Taipei
• China – Winning their first international Esports medal in MLBB Women!

These achievements reflect the incredible talent and dedication of athletes across Asia.

Building Connections and Celebrating Unity

While the competition was fierce, the event was also a celebration of collaboration and shared purpose. Leaders, athletes, and fans came together to discuss the future of Esports and explore ways to grow the industry on a global scale. The Games highlighted the diversity of the Esports community and showed that Esports is more than just competition, it’s a platform that connects people and builds lasting relationships.

Gratitude to Our Hosts

We want to thank the Thailand Esports Federation and the Asian Esports Federation for their warm hospitality and flawless organization of such a remarkable event. Their efforts to bring the Esports community together left a lasting impression on everyone who attended.

IESF’s Vision for Esports

At IESF, we are driven by the mission to foster growth and unity within the World Esports community. Events like the Asian Esports Games remind us why we’re so passionate about what we do, building opportunities for players, fans, and stakeholders to thrive and grow.

The future of Esports is bright, and we’re excited to continue working together with our global community to take it to new heights.

Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming projects and events. Together, we’re shaping the future of Esports!

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Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, eFootball series, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and PUBG MOBILE

With 136 member federations organizing National Qualifiers, the road to the 2025 IESF Season is set to be bigger and more competitive than ever. Around the world, national tournaments are already underway, as each federation seeks to crown their nation’s champions who will go on to compete at the highest level.

Igor Nedeski, Esports Manager at IESF, said: “We are proud to continue our collaboration with leading game publishers to ensure the highest quality of competition for the 2025 season. The excitement among athletes is already incredible as they prepare to represent their nations on the grand stage. This year, we anticipate an even higher level of competition as teams and players push the boundaries of Esports.”

The 17th edition of the IESF Season will not only highlight the competitive excellence of Esports athletes but also reinforce IESF’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and fair play within the Esports ecosystem.

Stay tuned as IESF continues to bring together the best esports talent from around the world for unforgettable tournaments. For more updates, follow IESF’s official channels and witness the journey to the 2025 season unfold!

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The European Esports Championship will feature top-tier competition in CS2 Open, CS2 Women, and Dota 2, as athletes battle for a chance to represent their nations on the world stage. This event, set to take place in July, promises to be a celebration of Esports excellence, uniting national teams and showcasing the rising talent from across the continent.

“The European Esports Championship is a key moment for Esports in Europe, and we are delighted to bring it to Pristina. The Esports Federation of Kosovo has demonstrated its commitment to the development of competitive gaming, and we are confident that this event will be a fantastic experience for athletes, fans, and the wider Esports community.” – stated Boban Totovski, General Secretary of IESF.

President Altin Preniqi, Esports Federation of Kosovo, also shared his excitement for the event: “Bringing the European Esports Championship to Kosovo is a tremendous milestone for our Esports community. With the support of our government and the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports, we are ready to showcase our nation’s passion for Esports and provide a world-class stage for Europe’s best athletes. This event is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of Esports and a chance to inspire the next generation.”

The Esports Federation of Kosovo, as the official event organizer, will oversee the successful execution of this event, ensuring a world-class experience for all participants and fans. With Esports rapidly growing in the region, this championship will further cement its role as a key player in the World of Esports.

Beyond its competition, this event holds deep national pride and importance. It represents an achievement in the region’s Esports journey, demonstrating its capability to host international tournaments. The championship will inspire future generations of gamers while promoting community engagement, economic opportunities, and worldwide recognition.

The IESF European Esports Championship 2025 will not only be a crucial step towards the 2025 Season but will also serve as a milestone in Esports development across Europe.

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The National Qualifiers, which commenced on January 15, 2025, mark the start of an exciting journey for millions of athletes. Competing across a diverse range of PC, mobile, and console titles, these athletes are fighting for the opportunity to represent their nations on the largest stage of Esports.

Highlighting the significance of this achievement, IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski stated:
“The participation of 136 Member Federations in this year’s National Qualifiers is an extraordinary accomplishment. It reflects the deep passion, dedication, and unity within the global Esports community. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the emergence of this year’s national champions and the incredible talent that will define the 2025 season.”

As we celebrate our 16-year legacy, the 2025 season is another step forward in showcasing esports as a powerful unifying force. The federation remains committed to supporting the growth of the esports ecosystem, encouraging the next generation of athletes, and celebrating the diversity within the global esports community.

The 2025 season will bring nations together to honor the competitive spirit and creativity of esports. With 136 nations involved, IESF reaffirms its dedication to fostering collaboration, inspiring excellence, and showcasing the exceptional talent of athletes from all over the world.

The journey to an unforgettable year in esports has begun, as IESF continues to bring the world closer through the shared passion for competitive gaming.

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IESF’s commitment to promoting clean sport has been a driving force behind this decision. As the official signatory of WADA since 2013, IESF has consistently worked to ensure that esports maintains the same standards of integrity as traditional sports. Through years of collaboration, education, and proactive measures, IESF played a key role in addressing concerns about doping in esports and advocating for the sport’s inclusion in WADA’s framework.

The decision to include esports in the TDSSA required overcoming skepticism about the need for doping tests in esports. Recognizing this challenge, IESF took proactive steps by implementing regular doping tests at its annual World Esports Championship and, starting in 2023, extending these measures to the Offline Regional Championships. These initiatives proved that esports is capable of meeting international anti-doping standards. 

The updated Prohibited List, which came into effect on January 1, 2025, sets the standards for a more professional and health-focused approach within the industry. With WADA’s guidelines now mandatory for all IESF events, we will continue to promote fair play and prioritize the well-being of esports athletes.

Beyond testing, IESF has made significant investments in education and awareness. Workshops, learning materials, and outreach initiatives have helped spread the message of clean sport to its members and athletes. These efforts underscore IESF’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of esports and ensuring its place on the world stage.

As the only esports body conducting regular doping tests and championing clean sport, IESF continues to set the standard for elevating esports to new levels of professionalism and credibility.

For more information on IESF’s efforts in anti-doping and clean sport, please visit IESF’s Anti-Doping section.

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Setting Records and Breaking Barriers

The beginning of the year set the course for the rest of the year with a record 130 member federations registered for the 16th World Esports Championship. This record highlighted the growth and interest in Esports in each region esports and set the stage for what would be a standout year.

Inclusivity was a huge part of  WEC24 with the introduction of two women’s categories: CS2 Women and the inaugural MLBB Women’s competition. These tournaments showed everybody the incredible talent and the importance of  Women’s representation in esports. The strong viewership and quality competition reaffirmed our commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity in the future

The First African Esports Championship

This year also marked the launch of the African Esports Championship in Casablanca, Morocco, the first major offline event on the continent. The event brought together top African esports athletes and an enthusiastic crowd. It was a big moment for both IESF and Africa’s esports community, marking a check on another of our goals – to grow and expand Esports in every corner of the world.

WEC24 in Riyadh: A Global Showcase

After months of preparation, national and then regional qualifiers, WEC24 in Riyadh delivered an unforgettable experience. Athletes from around the world competed at the highest level, with new champions rising and records being set. Special congratulations to Indonesia, who earned the Overall Champion title by excelling across all game titles.

Strengthening Leadership

Riyadh also hosted our 16th Ordinary General Meeting, where over 150 delegates gathered to shape the future of IESF. This year’s democratic elections resulted in a restructured Executive Board, composed entirely of elected members. This evolution reflects our commitment to transparency and inclusivity in leadership, strengthening our foundation for the future.

Closing the Year in Busan

We ended the year with the World Esports Summit 2024 in Busan. The event featured panels on key Esports topics, initiatives like the Referee Academy, Training Camp, and  World Idea Quest, and the presentation of the National Federation of the Year Award to Indonesia. Their work throughout the year, on and off the stage set a high standard for all.

This year, IESF family has grown up to 146 member federations. As we step into 2025, our focus remains on building a stronger, more united Esports community. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making 2024 such a remarkable year. Together, we’ll aim even higher in the year ahead.

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