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.

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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.

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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?

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But among the many, there is always one that rises to the very top.

Becoming the WEC Overall Champion means more than just winning. It means a nation has excelled across the board, in skill, strategy, teamwork, and national unity. It is the highest collective honor in IESF’s flagship event.

Let’s take a moment to honor those who have earned that title, the WEC Hall of Champions.

Korea – The Legacy Builders

It’s impossible to talk about WEC history without starting with Korea. From the very first championship in 2009, Korea set the standard for what excellence looks like on the international stage. They’ve won the Overall Champion title eight times, participated in 15 of 16 WECs, and earned medals in almost every title that’s ever been part of the event. With 19 golds and 24 total medals, their legacy isn’t just dominant, it’s foundational. Korea didn’t just participate, they built the blueprint.

Sweden – The FPS Powerhouse

Sweden made their mark in 2011 with a gold in StarCraft II, but their true strength came through in FPS titles. Over the years, their CS teams have become fan favorites, known for precision, smart plays, and a never-back-down attitude. Sweden claimed the Overall Champion title again in 2021, proving their long-term consistency. With 10 medals in total, they’ve become a symbol of northern strength in the World of Esports.

Serbia – The Game Changer

In 2015, Serbia did what few thought was possible — they dethroned Korea and claimed the Overall Champion title. It was a statement win, not just for them, but for European esports as a whole. Since joining IESF in 2011, Serbia has quietly and steadily climbed the ranks. Today, with 7 medals and consistent Top 15 finishes, Serbia is a name that carries weight in every bracket.

Japan – The Console Kings

Japan made their debut in 2016 and didn’t take long to make an impact. In 2019, they earned the Overall Champion title, a win that highlighted their dominance in console games. While they’ve yet to win a gold, their five silver medals speak to their consistency and quality. Japan brings precision, discipline, and a unique style to the WEC, and they’ve become a nation to watch every year.

Indonesia – The New Era

Indonesia’s journey is one of the most exciting in WEC history. They didn’t win a single medal until 2022, and just two years later, they were crowned champions twice: in 2022 and again in 2024. Their 2024 win was incredibly close, edging out Turkiye by just 0.7 points. Indonesia’s strength lies in MOBA titles, especially MLBB, where they’ve built powerhouse teams. Their rise has been fast, but it’s clear they’re here to stay.

Philippines – The Crowd Favourites

The Philippines joined IESF back in 2012, and over the years, they’ve built a passionate, talented esports scene, especially in MLBB, where they’ve consistently performed at the highest level. In 2023, their hard work paid off when they claimed the Overall Champion title for the first time. It was a proud moment for the country and a signal to the world that the Philippines is now a major player on the global stage.

From Korea’s golden streak to the rise of Southeast Asian powerhouses, the WEC Hall of Champions tells the story of how the World of Esports has grown, diversified, and evolved. It’s not just about who wins, it’s about what each champion represents.

Each of these nations has helped shape the legacy of the World Esports Championship. They’ve inspired countless athletes and reminded us all why we play, why we compete, and why we come together.

The future of WEC is wide open.

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As we look back on this legacy, one thing becomes clear: medals are more than just numbers. They’re symbols of dedication, strategy, pride, and national representation.

Here are the most decorated nations in WEC history:

#1 Korea – 24 Medals

Gold: 19 | Silver: 1 | Bronze: 4

A true dynasty in the World of Esports. Korea has participated in 15 out of 16 WEC editions and holds the unmatched record of winning medals for 12 consecutive years. Their dominance across multiple titles and formats defines the very foundation of the WEC legacy.

#2 Romania – 15 Medals

Gold: 1 | Silver: 7 | Bronze: 7

Romania has been a part of the WEC journey since the very beginning, winning medals as early as 2009. Over the years, they’ve steadily climbed the podium, showing remarkable consistency across titles. In 2024, they finally secured their first-ever gold medal, marking a historic moment in their long-standing commitment to Esports.

#3 Sweden – 10 Medals

Gold: 4 | Silver: 4 | Bronze: 2

Sweden entered the WEC spotlight in 2011 and quickly became a mainstay on the podium. Known for producing technically skilled players across strategy and FPS titles, Sweden continues to leave its mark on international esports.

#4 Philippines – 9 Medals

Gold: 2 | Silver: 5 | Bronze: 2

The pride of Southeast Asia. The Philippines is the region’s most decorated WEC nation, with medals earned across a variety of titles, including three podium finishes in MLBB. Their strength in both team and individual games proves their depth and adaptability on the world stage.

#5 Finland & China – 8 Medals Each

Finland: Gold: 3 | Silver: 2 | Bronze: 3
China: Gold: 3 | Silver: 3 | Bronze: 2

China earned the very first gold medal in IESF history, setting the tone for what would follow. Finland, on the other hand, has been a quiet powerhouse, consistently ranking in the Top 10 since their first medal in 2010. Together, they represent two very different yet equally impactful esports legacies.

From Serbia and Indonesia to Japan, Russia, and beyond, the medal table proves just how far esports has come. In total, 54 nations have won medals, and 183 medals have been awarded at the WEC since 2009. That’s 54 stories of pride, passion, and progress.

The World Esports Championship isn’t just about the past, it’s about what comes next. New nations are rising. Athletes are evolving. Titles are expanding.

With every edition, the WEC isn’t just growing, it’s rewriting the history of esports.

Who will rise next?

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The inaugural WEC showcased some of the best players competing in FIFA Online 2, Warcraft, and A.V.A., setting the stage for a new era of international esports competition. For the very first time, athletes had the opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage, with the eyes of the world beginning to turn toward competitive gaming.

But the First WEC was more than just a tournament. It was the birth of the International Esports Federation, a foundation that would go on to lead the charge for esports’ future, creating the legacy of flagship championships that we know today. It was the start of a journey for athletes who would compete not just for the glory of victory but for the honor and pride of representing their nations.

From this first event, the dream of international recognition and unity within the esports community took root, and it marked the beginning of a tradition of excellence, competition, and inclusivity, all of which continue to define IESF’s mission and its flagship event, the World Esports Championship.

The journey has been long, but it started here, with a small yet significant moment in Taebaek. It was the beginning of something much larger than any of us could have imagined.

This was the beginning of everything. This is where the legacy began.

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For more than 15 years, the International Esports Federation has played a key role in shaping the World Esports landscape, with 151 member nations. IESF has built a structured and competitive ecosystem that promotes fair play, athlete welfare, and long-term development through its 16-year legacy.

A Unified Global Movement

Unlike commercial Esports organizations, IESF is a non-profit organization, focused on supporting and growing the World Esports community. Our mission is clear: to ensure sustainability, diversity, inclusivity, and fair governance while creating opportunities for athletes worldwide.

Through collaboration with governments, international sports bodies, and key stakeholders, IESF is actively integrating esports into traditional sports structures while ensuring it maintains its unique identity and culture.

Esports on the Olympic Path

The Olympic Dream is not just about participation, it’s about recognition. Esports athletes train, compete, and dedicate their lives to excellence, just like athletes in any other sport. 

As our former president Vlad Marinescu, stated: “The Esports Athletes deserve the same respect, opportunities, and pride that come with representing their nations as any other athletes, on the world’s most prestigious sporting stage. IESF is dedicated to making this a reality.”

By creating structured pathways for competition, fair play, and athlete development, we are ensuring that Esports athletes stand proudly alongside their peers in traditional sports. The journey to full Olympic recognition continues, and IESF has paved the way, turning the dream into reality, one milestone at a time.

IESF is not just an organization, it’s a worldwide movement working together to build a better future for esports.

Building bridges, not barriers.

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Mapping the Growth: IESF’s Esports Expansion

From 9 to 151 nations, IESF’s mission has been clear: bringing together national federations to develop a structured and sustainable Esports ecosystem. Here’s a look at how this growth unfolded:

One of the biggest milestones came in 2020, when 29 new nations joined IESF in a single year. This signaled a massive shift in World Esports recognition, setting the way for more structured development, governance, and inclusion.

The Importance of IESF National Federations

National Federations are the backbone of Esports development in each country. They work to:

• Promote grassroots Esports – Ensuring young talent has pathways to compete.
• Support fair play & integrity – Implementing rules and anti-doping measures. 
• Create Esports opportunities – Connecting athletes, teams, and stakeholders. 
• Push for recognition – Working with governments to recognise Esports as a legitimate sport.

Each new NF brings unique contributions, strengthening IESF’s mission to create a more unified, structured, and fair World of Esports.

With 151 nations and counting, the next question is: how far can esports go? The rapid growth of IESF proves that Esports is not just a passing trend but a cultural and competitive force that connects continents.

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Game Publishers

Every puzzle needs a theme. In fact, our ‘theme’ in this case would consist of game publishers. The reality is, if there were no game publishers, there would be no games to be played! No games to be played means no esports, and that doesn’t really work for us. Luckily, there are a number of game publishers who have created famous titles such as Counter-Strike, Dota 2, eFootball, League of Legends, Tekken 7, Rocket League and many more. These publishers can then license their games out to external tournament and league organizers.

Players and Teams

After we set out our theme, it’s time to add the image. The players and teams are our most important image. They are the people that make esports as exciting  as we witness them today! Players today have a lot of freedom and can choose whether they want a single-player experience or if they would like to be part of a professional esports team. There are different benefits that come with each,  so it really comes down to the player’s personal preference. Whatever the case, most players and teams choose to stream their gaming sessions to popular platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming and Facebook Gaming.
Since there is a lot of ad space on these platforms, streamers in most cases use this ad space to display their sponsors and teams in an effort to bring in more  exposure for their partners and are repeatedly being chased after by new sponsors.  The professional teams operate in a similar manner, but are more thoroughly structured. They have contracts for their players and sponsors to help with their merchandising, talent acquisition and financing. A typical esports professional team is not limited to one game, but rather has multiple squads in place for various game titles. This gives them the opportunity to compete in many different competitions and widens the reach of potential winnings for the organization.

Tournament organizer

Now that we covered the game publishers, players and teams,  it is time to move on to the tournament organizers. This is where the best-of-the-best compete for high-stakes prize pools with millions of viewers!  Tournament organizers, similar to the game publishers, can sell their broadcast rights to a number of streaming platforms. But it isn’t quite as simple as that. A streaming platform can have exclusive streaming rights which deny any other platform to stream a specific event. Tournament organizers have also made moves to secure deals with television networks and other companies such as Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Brands and Sponsors

There are thousands of brands and advertisers looking to enter the world of esports! Sponsors  are by far the biggest source of revenue for players, teams and organizers. As previously mentioned, players and teams have numerous sponsors from different parts of the esports ecosystem. A team may have special jerseys made for them by one of their sponsors, while another sponsor will provide financial aid to the team in hopes of the team achieving greater victories. Other sponsors may only want ad-space on a player or team’s  website or livestreams.  It really comes down to what the sponsors can offer and how the recipients feel their collaboration would work best.

In conclusion, it is safe to say that the esports ecosystem relies on all its stakeholders for it to function properly and effectively. The growing number of esports players and enthusiasts around the world  will surely propel esports to the next level!

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Do you like esports? Are you curious about esports and how they are taking over the world? Do you believe that esports unite millions of people? 

YES WE DO!

The International Esports Federation aims to bond the esports world through diversity, unity, integrity, and inclusiveness. What does this actually mean? WE want to provide a chance for anyone, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, gender, or skin tone to become an esports superstar! WE want to create meaningful relationships with all of our communities to truly show the world the power and value of esports. To achieve this, we must break down barriers and typical stereotypes about gamers and turn the narrative. Gamers will no longer be portrayed as ‘lazy’ or ‘dirty’, but rather as healthy, skilled, and motivated individuals who are committed to their craft and are willing to do whatever it takes to WIN!

Way back in the ancient days of 2008, IESF was born. Starting with a humble 9 member nations in 2008, IESF has managed to expand that number to 130+ member nations today! The first ever event hosted by IESF was the “IeSF Challenge” held in 2009. Since then, IESF has hosted more than 13 World Esports Championships and supported numerous regional qualifiers. The ultimate goal is to create more opportunities through bigger and better events each year! 34th World Championships on the Moon, confirmed!

This year IESF will be hosting its 14th World Championships in Bali, Indonesia in the beginning of December. The event will feature 120+ National Federations, 300+ players, spectators, and special guests! Apart from the main annual event, IESF moderates regional qualifiers on every continent throughout the year. Furthermore, IESF is continuously committed to expanding the World Esports family through new members and affiliates. Every year our family grows, which further aids esports to be recognized as a legitimate sport and a force to be reckoned with! Don’t mess with us, because we can 360 no-scope you with ease!

As with many new things, esports needs more time to truly be accepted around the world, but we will soon get there! The future is looking much brighter than it did in the prehistoric days of 2008, and looking ahead we might even see the very first e-lympics! If we keep working hard and together as a community, we will be able to achieve the unimaginable! 

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