The world’s fastest-growing sports sector, Esports, has
expanded its global footprint with the announcement of a strategic partnership
that will see its operations make significant headway in the Middle East.
The new agreement – a joint venture between the
International Esports Federation (IESF) and one of the region’s most
established media companies, Motivate Media Group – comes ahead of the launch
of a world-class annual Esports industry summit and consumer exhibition event
in Dubai in 2020.
Endorsed by the IESF, Dubai Sports Council, and Emirates
Esports Association, the event will be a celebration of Dubai’s journey as a
global destination hub for Esports organizations and industry leaders,
thinkers, influencers and gaming enthusiasts.
Esports is the fastest-growing sports category globally
with more than 300 million gamers in the Middle East alone.
Colin Webster, President of the IESF and Ian Fairservice,
Founder and Managing Partner of Motivate Media Group, signed an MoU
establishing a joint venture that introduces the most significant initiative of
its kind for Esports in the region.
‘IESF is really excited to be collaborating with Motivate
to establish a number of world-class Esports products that represents an
important step in supporting Esports growth in the UAE, the Middle East and
globally,’ says Mr Webster.
‘The potential for Esports in the Middle East is now being
realised. ‘A national strategy is required to establish and house this
remarkable ecosystem, Dubai is an amazing city and Motivate Media Group,
celebrating its 40th year, is a perfect partner that can help support this
vision.’
Mr Fairservice concurred: ‘With the evolution of technology
and the ongoing emergence of all forms of sport as a cultural and entertainment
touchstone in society, there is no better time to launch an initiative that
embraces this convergence.’
‘We see the future in Esports as being one of the most
dynamic and rapidly expanding platforms in new media and are thrilled to be
partnering with a leading institution such as the IESF to develop this in the
Middle East.’
Colin Webster added that
the IESF is absolutely delighted to be
attending another world first by Dubai Sports Council.
‘Artificial Intelligence will have a considerable impact in
all aspects of life, and sport is no exception. By providing thought leadership
to AI in Sport, this will clearly help shape future policy and its applications
for a better world. The UAE was one of the first countries, if not the first,
to appoint an AI minister as part of its portfolio. HE Omar Al Olama is a
remarkable person with such insight.’
‘The IESF looks forward to our continued collaboration with
Dubai Sports Council for the betterment of sports and humankind.’
About IESF
The International Esports Federation (IESF), based in
Busan, Korea, is a not-for-profit organization that works consistently to
promote Esports as a true sport which transcends language, gender, race and
cultural barriers. Established in 2008, with nine founding nations, its membership has now expanded
to over 56 countries.
The IESF has established robust policies that ensure the
welfare of its participants, whilst protecting the integrity of Esports.
Structurally, it comprises a board, members of whom usually
serve a four-year term and are duly elected by member federations.
Other initiatives that IESF has developed for the
betterment of Esports include an annual Esports World Championship, which is in
its 11th edition, and a Global Esports Executive Summit (GEES) which was
launched four years ago.
The 11th World Esports Championship (2019) will be held
from 11-15 December 2019 in Seoul where more than 45 nations are expected to
compete.
As an international federation for Esports, the IESF’s
obligations include hosting international Esports tournaments, expanding the
range of member nations, and establishing standards for referees, players,
certifications, titles and competitions.
About Motivate Media
Group
Motivate
Publishing was founded in 1979 by Ian Fairservice and, together with his
partner HE Obaid bin Humaid Al Tayer, the United Arab Emirates Minister of
State for Financial Affairs, has developed the company to become one of the
most successful media groups in the region. Motivate Media Group has more than
25 editorial titles across print and digital, and a diverse range of contract
publishing, as well as a celebrated books division, content provision services,
events management, diverse international joint ventures and leading cinema
advertising business, Motivate Val Morgan. www.motivate.ae
Contact
White Wolf Strategies
david@whitewolfconsultancy.com
+971 50 6180 752 (WhatsApp)
