As a WADA-recognized organization, IESF fully adheres to the WADA Code. The case was managed in strict accordance with WADA rules, as applied to all compliant sports bodies. In cooperation with WADA and the athlete, Arslan Ash, and in recognition of his lack of intent, the standard four-year sanction was reduced to two years and backdated to the start of his provisional suspension.

Introducing anti-doping measures in a new sport naturally involves a transition period. Esports is early in this process, and IESF is actively working with WADA to build an anti-doping framework tailored to the unique nature of competitive gaming.

The sanction applies solely to IESF-sanctioned events such as Nationals, Regionals, and the World Esports Championship. While debate continues in the media and community, IESF remains committed to fair play and its responsibilities as a WADA signatory.

This landmark case underscores the need for clearer guidelines and esports-specific research. We view it as a key step toward the global recognition of esports and the development of robust, evidence-based anti-doping policies.

IESF remains dedicated to transparency, collaboration, and the continued advancement of fair competition in esports.

The post Anti-Doping in Esports: IESF Statement on the WEC22 Case appeared first on IESF.

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

The post World Esports Standardization Project Seeks AI Ethics Research Proposals appeared first on IESF.

The IESF reports that athlete Arslan Siddiqui, who represented Pakistan and won the Tekken 7 title, was sanctioned with a two-year period of ineligibility after testing positive for 19-norandrosterone, 19-noretiocholanolone, the Stanozolol Metabolites, and the Metandienone Metabolites, following an in-competition doping control on 10 December 2022.

All above-mentioned substances are Prohibited Substances under the World Anti-Doping (“WADA”) Prohibited List. More specifically, all substances were listed as Prohibited Substances under class S1.1A Anabolic Androgenic Steroids of WADA’s 2022 Prohibited List. 

The sanction was issued by the IESF Hearing Panel in accordance with Article 8.1.2 of the IESF Ant-Doping Rules (“IESF ADR”), which are fully aligned with the World Anti-Doping Code (“WADC”). The period of ineligibility was effective from 26 April 2023 until 25 April 2025. Per Article 9 of the IESF ADR, the Athlete’s results earned at the WEC 22 (and all corresponding medals, titles, awards, points, prizes, and appearance money, etc.) were automatically disqualified. The Athlete’s results between 10 December 2022 and 26 April 2023 were also disqualified, with all resulting consequences as described in Article 10.10 of the IESF ADR.

As a signatory of the WADA, IESF conducts anti-doping testing at every sanctioned tournament, reinforcing our commitment to clean sport and the credibility of international esports competition.

IESF reiterates its zero-tolerance policy toward doping and will continue to take all necessary measures to protect the health, safety, and fairness of esports competition worldwide.

The post Official Statement on Anti-Doping Rule Violation – WEC22 appeared first on IESF.

Differences in accounting systems, invoice timing, payments, and financial balancing have led to temporary imbalances in the financial records, and both financial teams have reconciled these discrepancies. We acknowledge that our trusted host and financial partners fulfilled their obligations in accordance with agreed timelines and protocols.

Following close coordination between both financial teams, all discrepancies have now been addressed, and prize distributions are being updated to reflect the full amounts owed. As part of IESF’s governance framework, the Audit, Risk, and Governance Committee is conducting a final review to validate the resolution. Once complete, all affected nations will receive the remaining balance of their prize winnings without further delay.

IESF reaffirms its dedication to transparency, accountability, and close collaboration with all member nations and partners. We appreciate the patience and understanding of the esports community as we bring this matter to a close.

The post IESF Official Statement on WEC24 Prize Pool Allocation appeared first on IESF.

IESF would like to clarify that the initial qualifier conducted in Bangladesh was not organized, supervised, or endorsed by IESF. Upon receiving multiple appeals and concerns regarding the legitimacy and transparency of the process, a thorough internal review was conducted.

As a result of this review, IESF has officially determined that the qualifier does not meet the standards and requirements set forth for national selections under our regulations. Consequently, IESF has decided not to recognize the results of the original qualifier and has instructed the Bangladesh Esports Federation to conduct a new national qualifier under the direct supervision of IESF.

Furthermore, it has come to our attention that representatives of A1 Esports were directly involved in organizing the initial qualifier while entering their team into the competition. During this process, they misrepresented the event as being officially affiliated with IESF, which constitutes a serious conflict of interest and a clear misrepresentation of IESF’s name and authority. Given these serious concerns and the lack of fairness surrounding the event, IESF has decided to restrict A1 Esports from participating in any IESF-related competitions until further notice.

The post Bangladesh PUBG MOBILE Qualifiers 2025: IESF Official Statement appeared first on IESF.

The competition featured skilled players from five countries, challenging India’s national winners across two popular titles. In eFootball, competing against top contenders from global esports powerhouses Malaysia, Thailand, and Laos, DaNiAL cruised through to the final, beating Southiphone Singthong (Laos) 5-3 and Nathawat Satake (Thailand) 2-1. He then held his nerve to defeat Malaysia’s Mohamad Azrudin Bin Yaacob 2-0 in the thrilling Grand Finale. Satake rounded out the podium.

Squaring up against Sri Lanka’s Mohamad Shaad Mohamad Uvaiz and Nepal’s Rajat Budathoki, Tejas dominated the WCC3 round-robin and final series, sealing his title with a victory over the latter.

Speaking on the occasion, ESFI President, Mr Vinod Tiwari, said: “WAVES is a visionary initiative, and we are deeply grateful to Prime Minister Modi for placing Indian esports on the international stage with such foresight. Under his leadership, the sector is moving in the right direction with purpose and momentum. India’s historic first international golds at WESC are a testament to that progress. In a high-stakes arena, our athletes didn’t just compete, they delivered. DaNiAL and Tejas showed exactly the kind of composure, maturity, and gameplay that defines the future of Indian esports.”

The WAVES Esports Championship wrapped up with medal ceremonies held during the Creatosphere Awards, marking a strong finish to what has been a landmark moment for Indian esports on home soil.

Speaking on his victory in eFootball, DaNiAL said: “Winning the international leg of WAVES was an unforgettable experience. Competing on a global stage pushed me beyond my limits, and the energy, talent, and passion I witnessed were truly inspiring. WAVES gave me not just platform to showcase my skills, but also memories and connections that will last a lifetime.”

When asked about the WAVES event and his gameplay, Tejas, said: “The world’s waves may crash loud, but the calm of a focused mind always wins the league. Waves don’t just shape shores — they shape souls that dare to ride them.”

As the governing body for esports in India, ESFI plays a vital role in defining the nation’s competitive gaming scene. Boasting involvement in events like the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Esports Championship, along with partnerships with prominent global entities, ESFI hosted WESC at the prestigious WAVES Summit, reinforcing its dedication to elevating India’s presence in the international esports arena.

The post First-Ever Gold for India at WAVES Esports Championship 2025 appeared first on IESF.

Our partnership with the World Anti-Doping Agency plays a crucial role in safeguarding this principle. From pre-event planning to in-competition testing, WADA’s global standards guide our protocols at every World Esports Championship, making sure that excellence is earned, never manipulated.

But Clean Esports goes beyond rules and regulations. It’s a culture we actively build, through education, transparency, and community accountability. Through athlete workshops, national federation engagement, and proactive awareness efforts, we empower players to compete with pride, knowing they represent something bigger than themselves.

A clean esports ecosystem builds trust, celebrates skill, and paves the way for a sustainable future. For IESF and its 150+ member nations, integrity isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Clean esports is the only kind of esports that lasts.

The post Clean competition is true competition appeared first on IESF.

Esports is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with a global fanbase of over 500 million. Hosting a world championship gives cities the chance to tap into that momentum, to develop local infrastructure, boost tourism, and create economic impact. But the benefits go even deeper.

When a city becomes home to WEC, it becomes a platform for youth engagement, digital education, and tech-driven opportunity. Local talent gets a stage. Local businesses get visibility. And most importantly, local communities start seeing esports not just as games, but as a career path, a creative outlet, and a driver of innovation.

What It Means to Be a World Esports Capital

Being a World Esports Capital means becoming a reference point in the international conversation. It’s about having the infrastructure, vision, and cultural commitment to esports, both on and off the stage.

These cities are not only hosting international tournaments, they are investing in grassroots initiatives, education programs, gaming hubs, and community growth. They become homes for new partnerships between public institutions, private investors, and global publishers. And through IESF’s ecosystem, they are connected to over 150 nations, building relationships that last long after the trophies are lifted.

The Legacy in Action

Cities like TaeBaek, where the WEC began in 2009, proved that even smaller, lesser-known places can shape the World Esports history. Others like Seoul, Bali, and Riyadh have raised the bar showing how to merge tradition, innovation, and scale. Iași and Bucharest in Romania showed how a nation’s esports culture can be elevated by hosting, building pride, passion, and long-term structure. Eilat became a symbol of resilience, successfully hosting WEC during the pandemic recovery in 2021.

Every host city has brought something different. But what unites them all is the impact they leave behind.

In the end, the World Esports Championship is not just a tournament. It’s a legacy. And for cities ready to embrace the future of competitive gaming, it’s the key to becoming a true World Esports Capital.

The post World Esports Capitals through the years appeared first on IESF.

Since 2009, the World Esports Championship has featured a wide range of titles that represent the global spirit of competitive gaming. From classic strategy and sports games to modern MOBAs and FPS powerhouses, the WEC has grown alongside the industry itself.

Over the years, a total of 19 different game titles have been part of WEC, each selected to represent the diversity and evolution of esports culture across the globe. From the early days of Warcraft III, FIFA Online 2, and A.V.A., to today’s global favorites like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG Mobile, and eFootball, each game brought a new community, a new story, and a new legacy.

The rise of StarCraft II in the 2010s introduced high-level 1v1 strategy battles, while Counter-Strike made its mark with intense FPS rivalries. Soon after, the growing global demand for team-based strategy led to the addition of MOBAs like Dota 2, and eventually Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) — one of the most-watched and played titles in Southeast Asia.

What makes WEC unique is its commitment to adapting with the times. The inclusion of mobile titles like PUBG Mobile and eFootball reflects not just trends, but real shifts in how people around the world play and connect through games. Every title brought into the WEC lineup was chosen to give athletes across all regions a chance to shine.

Collaboration with Publishers

This evolution of game titles would not be possible without the continued support and trust of game publishers.

IESF has built strong, respectful partnerships with key publishers who share our vision of a truly global and inclusive esports ecosystem. Through years of collaboration, publishers have played a crucial role in shaping the WEC experience, from licensing and tournament integrity to community engagement and broadcast reach.

We’re proud to have worked with industry leaders such as Moonton, Tencent, and Konami, whose support has empowered athletes and federations from all over the world to compete on a professional and unified platform.

These collaborations go beyond operations. They are rooted in shared values, fair play, growth, accessibility, and the belief that esports should be for everyone. With their partnership, IESF continues to deliver a high-level, international championship experience that reflects the ever-evolving world of gaming.

As the esports landscape continues to evolve, IESF is committed to strengthening these relationships and exploring new collaborations that open doors for more athletes, fans, and federations around the world.

Over the years, WEC has hosted a mix of PC, console, and mobile titles, celebrating diversity in genres, platforms, and playstyles. The event has become a reflection of global player culture, constantly evolving, just like the games themselves.

The post Evolution of Game Titles at WEC appeared first on IESF.

In 2009, the inaugural WEC took place in Taebaek, South Korea, bringing together 20 nations and just 59 athletes. It was a historic moment, the first global competition under the banner of unity and fair play in esports. The infrastructure was basic, the concept still new, but the passion was undeniable.

The following years were about building trust and showing the world what a unified esports championship could look like. By 2010, 29 nations had joined the movement. Though the athlete count remained at 62, the message was spreading: esports had a home, and it was growing.

The breakthrough came in 2012, with 36 nations and 129 athletes competing, more than double the number from the previous year. It was a reflection of growing confidence in the format, better organization, and a rising global interest in structured international competition. That same year marked a turning point in the professionalism of the event, with clearer rules, improved production, and a wider selection of game titles.

From 2013 to 2018, participation remained strong, with 24–37 nations competing and athlete numbers climbing steadily, peaking at 286 athletes in 2018. These were the foundation years: each edition refining the experience, attracting new nations, and setting the stage for something much bigger.

Then the explosion came.

In 2022, WEC made a massive leap, welcoming a record-breaking 104 nations and 586 athletes to the championship. It was more than growth, it was validation. Federations across the world recognized WEC as a serious, credible platform where their athletes could shine. Esports was no longer “emerging”; it had arrived.

The momentum carried into 2023, with an even higher 111 countries represented and 578 athletes, an incredible display of global unity through competition. Every continent was represented. Dozens of languages, flags, and playing styles came together, all under the same roof.

In 2024, the structure shifted. A new level of regional qualifiers was introduced, allowing for more intense competition leading up to the finals. As a result, the final event featured 52 nations, with 505 athletes still participating. The event proved that WEC had not just grown, it had matured.

Each number tells a story. Behind every increase is a new federation, a young player’s dream, a coach’s strategy, a team’s journey. The growth isn’t just about size, it’s about representation, access, and opportunity.

WEC has become a place where small nations can make big statements, where first-time participants can challenge the veterans, and where esports becomes a tool for cultural exchange as much as it is for competition.

From 20 nations in 2009 to 111 in 2023, the journey so far has been nothing short of remarkable. But the real question is: where do we go next?

The post WEC: A Legacy Built by Nations appeared first on IESF.