To succeed in our mission to create a united World Esport we need really big support and the biggest support we get is from our 109 Member nations, national federations from all around the world!

It’s really important to show you who are our Member Nations!

Today we are presenting the Macedonian Esports Federation!

Tell us more about Macedonian Esport Federation, when and how did you found the federation?

The federation was created back in 2009, after 4 years of work in creating the proper structure. We have been competing on national level since 2005 in Singapore, the first WCG our team played. Since then, we have developed a lot, held many competitions and participated in more than 15 international competitions.

That love of the game and pride in one’s country is at the heart of a lot of really exciting competitions in any sport. Which games are most played in your country?

Counter Strike is the most popular game here. We have some extraordinary DOTA2 and LOL players, but CS will always be number 1.

In which games do you have a representation and tell us more about their achievements?

This year we have CS:GO, DOTA2, Tekken and PES2021 representatives. They are currently the best in the region, but are lacking true international experience and we are positive that the Regional games and the World Championship will be a solid motivator. 

You won the European Nations Cup in CS:GO, congratulations! How was the feeling of winning the European championship? 

Well, it was unbelievable. We have a solid team, we were hoping to win, but you never know till the end. We are very proud of the team and continue the support for the next big events.

Do you think the team is capable of improving and doing even better results after this achievement?

Yes, 100%. They are solid and very fluid in their game. We see them training every day and they were signed by a semi-pro team, so that should make them better.

How would you describe the state of Esports in your country?

It’s not where it should be. We have a lot more to do, pending our government’s recognition. Once we become an official sport, the direction is clear and we know what to do.

In what ways does the federation help Esports in your country?

We organise the National League, which is the most prestigious competition and we also give the players the opportunity to play against top teams from the world. Soon we will start with proper practice and education, so we can truly level up. 

What are your future plans for the federation?

Obviously, recognition is the number 1 goal. Our mission is to develop the existing infrastructure and make it possible for kids to practice Esports responsibly. We must deliver the message that Esports can’t be enough, there must be physical activity as well as proper education in the process.

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6797
Originally published on: Wed, 27 Oct 2021 12:48:39 +0000

Connecting with our community is the right way! It’s really important to give you a peek “behind the curtain” and show you who are the people who work at our organization!

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.

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6772
Originally published on: Mon, 25 Oct 2021 09:58:10 +0000

To succeed in our mission to create a united World Esport we need really big support and the biggest support we get is from our 109 Member nations, national federations from all around the world!

It’s really important to show you who are our Member Nations!

Today we are presenting the Argentinian Esports and Video Games Association!

When did you founded the federation?

DEVA was founded in May, 2017. We aim to promote and work towards the professionalization of Esports through the sports frame, education, social and entertainment. DEVA is the engine that pushes and develops Esports throughout the whole country. It’s made up of young professionals that share a great passion for sports and love for video games. DEVA’s values workaround union and advocates the development and professionalization of Esports in the whole Argentine territory boosting the knowledge of the benefits video games provide.

Which games are most played in your country?

In Argentina we have the top five as: CSGO, Free Fire, LOL, FIFA, Valorant.

In which games/Esports do you have a representation?

We are participating in this year´s WC with PES, DOTA2, Tekken and Audition. But we lost in the regionals.

What is the average age of the players in the national team?

22 years old.

How would you describe in one word the state of Esports in your country?

It’s in it´s prime.

How has the establishment of the federation helped Esports in your country?

We narrowed the gap between the government, sports ecosystem and Esports. We developed the first academic projects in LATAM and Argentina to start giving a better understanding of the industry and business models of Esports.

What are your future plans for the federation?

We are pushing to get into the national Olympic committee and improve our team certification system. We are pushing to get some  funding for Esports projects such as club development and players support with the ministry of tourism and sports.

What is your federation’s biggest achievement? 

Getting recognized by the ministry of Tourism and Sports and being the first organization in LATAM to develop academic proposals with universities, such as an executive program with the Universidad de Palermo and a diploma with the university of Rio Negro.

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6785
Originally published on: Thu, 21 Oct 2021 10:01:44 +0000

Connecting with our community is the right way! It’s really important to give you a peek “behind the curtain” and show you who are the people who work at our organization!

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.

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6770
Originally published on: Mon, 18 Oct 2021 12:11:43 +0000

To succeed in our mission to create a united World Esports we need really big support and the biggest support we get is from our 109 Member nations, national federations from all around the world.

It’s really important to show you who are our Member Nations!

Starting with the Russian Esports Federation, one of the oldest esports federations in the world!

When was the Russian Esports Federation founded?

Russian Esports Federation (aka RESF) was founded on March 24, 2000. It is one of the oldest sports federations in the world. 

Now RESF has 75 regional sections all over Russia, and over 50 of them are officially accredited esports federations in their regions.

Which games are most played in your country?

In Russia the most played games are: Dota2, CS:GO, Clash Royale, Hearthstone, StarCraft 2, League of Legends, Valorant, Rainbow Six Siege, World of Tanks, Tekken7.  

In which games/Esports do you have a representation?

Esports in Russia is represented in almost all popular games listed above. But the most popular are Dota2, CS:GO, Clash Royale, Hearthstone. Esports in Russia is divided into disciplines which combine games of the same genre. 

What is the average age of the players in the national team?

19 years old. 

How would you describe in one word the state of Esports in your country?

Swiftly developing. Two words. 

How has the establishment of the federation helped Esports in your country?

The RESF foundation helped the esports to be officially recognized in Russia, and for the first time on Earth.  

In what ways does the federation help Esports in your country?

RESF is represented in almost all regions of Russia. Each of the regions hold 3 official Esports tournaments a year as minimum, and there are some of them who hold more than 10. In sum there are up to 1000 official tournaments that are held officially in Russia every year.

The biggest Esports tournaments are held at stadiums and attract around 10 thousand people who attend them. The last one of them (The finale of the Russian Esports championship) took place in May 2021 in the Ural city of Chelyabinsk with over 10 000 spectators, more than 10 million online viewers, and more than 21 thousand participants during the entire tournament.

RESF has been also partnering with Mail.ru Group, one of the biggest IT-holdings in Russia, with its Esports structure ESforce Holding. This partnership resulted in organizing a Major series tournament in Moscow with a 1 million dollars prize fund.

RESF has been actively developing educational programs in Esports. Every three months RESF trains, educates and qualifies official judges. With leading sport universities of Russia RESF launches professional Esports coach programs. Cooperating with economic and finance universities RESF provides Esports with management programs.

Nowadays there is an Esports student club in almost every university of Russia. RESF is contributing to launching such clubs at schools.

What are your future plans for the federation?

Now we’ve been working on bringing Esports after-class clubs to schools. We’ve been maintaining a social ladder for thousands of kids in Russia, starting from school sections and tournaments, then leading them to university cups and semi-professional sport, and helping them to find their path in professional sport.

What is your federation’s biggest achievement?  

There are lots of them. And there are three of them we are proud of most of all:

RESF was the first in the world to have Esports recognized officially! In 2019 RESF contributed to organizing the Epicenter Major in Moscow with 12 thousand spectators at the stadium. RESF has been popularizing Esports and bringing mass-Esports events to all regions of Russia. RESF lets semi-professional tournaments attract stadiums of spectators. RESF has been promoting a healthy way of life among huge Esports audiences, connecting traditional sports with Esports.

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6752
Originally published on: Thu, 14 Oct 2021 10:57:47 +0000

Connecting with our community is the right way! It’s really important to give you a peek “behind the curtain” and show you who are the people who work at our organization!

Today you’ll learn more about our Finance and Relations Manager, Jeff Bae!

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

Passionate Voyager, Sailor – find meaningful things from what I enjoy. I believe, one day the line will be complete with a small dot which I path.

Tell us about your career path.

I started working as an Assistant Manager at Korea professional Baseball Players Association, then as a Director at World Children Taekwondo Union, going to Korea Aerospace University Staff and now I am here at IESF as Finance and Relations Manager.

What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on?

Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Business Development. Partnership.

What’s one thing that surprised you about working at IESF?

Whole world getting more enthusiastic about Esports.

Who has influenced you the most when it comes to how you approach your work?

The whole IESF Team.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy playing video games that include consoles such as Starcraft1. Diablo2, PubG, Tekken. And when I talk about some adventurous hobbies, I talk about Skin Scubar, Scuba diving.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten?

Frog’s leg soup in Hangzhou.

What’s your favourite TV show?

SNL.

Who is your hero?

Slayers_Boxer (Lim Yo Hwan) – Starcraft Pro Gamer.

Tell us a surprising or a fun fact about you.

I used to have 110kg and I lost 40kg and now I have 70kg. Dedication, working out and consistency led me to this success.

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6748
Originally published on: Tue, 12 Oct 2021 12:49:07 +0000

Connecting with our community is the right way! It’s really important to give you a peek “behind the curtain” and show you who are the people who work at our organization!

Today you’ll learn more about our Executive Management Assistant Ilija Kurteski!

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

I want to consider myself as someone who is likely to combine opposite traits, a free spirit person , but with a very tight schedule. I want to enjoy life and nature at any given moment, but when it comes to the job performance, turning great ideas into reality and working on impossible projects gives me another perspective and there is nothing that can stop me from achieving my goal. Always dedicating my time to my true passion is part of what makes me happy.

How would you describe your job title?

Being an assistant to the General Secretary and also being involved in the event organisation and management of the IESF, requires you to be able to jump across tasks, meet deadlines, and be able to adapt to any given situation. So, that describes one agile, chameleon-like and vigilant person. 

How did you enter the Esports world?

Festivals and music events went silent with the Covid 19 outbreak. Those unfortunate circumstances brought a lot of free time and on the positive side, I spent that time searching for different possibilities. Being a gamer myself, I always wanted to work in the gaming industry and have a chance to organise esports events. When I saw the IESF job advertisement, I knew that this is my opportunity to enter the gaming & esports world. And here I am… It happened.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

I love working with tight deadlines and constantly trying to achieve the impossible. For me , always setting my focus on the highest goal is the right fuel to motivate me and bring out the best in me.

Where did you work before this position?

My previous job … Well, that was the journey of a lifetime. Working as a Production Manager of music festivals and concerts with a 10.000+ audience is not an easy task. Let me put it this way, It’s a job of a professional problem solver, with a special orientation towards music, music events and security,

What do you enjoy about the work you do?

Actually, as I mentioned previously, I am a gamer myself and I enjoy every aspect of working in the IESF. I am involved in working with various sectors and projects with the IESF and every day is a new challenge for me. 

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

I am constantly working on improving myself and my skills in general. I have seen , and I have worked with a lot of people, and currently I am learning from the pioneers in the Esports field. In my humble opinion, we all need different adjustments, but everything begins and ends with responsibility. 

What’s your idea of a perfect day?

Cozy little shack with minimalistic design, located in the Swiss Rigi Mountains with perfect view and a good wi-fi connection.

What are the values that drive you?

Dedication, hard work and loyalty.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I always enjoy long hikes at high altitudes and conquering new mountain peaks. 

What three items would you take with you to a deserted island?

Swiss army knife, piece of mirror or magnifying glass, and a notepad – gotta keep track of everything

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

Growing up and being a very active kid was pretty much fun, I must say. From being a boy-scout to being a choir member and at the same time going to music school and learning to play the violin, well, I had a lot of choices. One thing I always said to myself was “whatever you do it must have music involved in it”. I started with producing music festivals, and now I am organizing the IESF WC. Nowadays – Esports is my music.   

What artist/band is your guilty pleasure?

Avenged Sevenfold and Iron Maiden. There is a strange energy and uplifting power in those songs and those riffs , anyway, remember –  always, keep on rockin \m/  

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6732
Originally published on: Tue, 05 Oct 2021 11:40:44 +0000

Connecting with our community is the right way! It’s really important to give you a peek “behind the curtain” and show you who are the people who work at our organization!

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.

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6717
Originally published on: Wed, 29 Sep 2021 09:46:21 +0000