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

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!

Starting with our General Secretary  Boban Totovski, the problem solver and communication master!

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

Esports veteran for 16 years. I never competed professionally, but have always been in the ecosystem. I am still struggling between my manager side and gamer side, but with age comes wisdom so now I am managing in the gaming industry.

How long have you been part of IESF and how do you achieve success in your role?

Almost 2 years. It has been a true challenge with COVID-19 hitting the world right after the elections. On the other hand, it gave me proper time to learn the processes and adjust accordingly. I helped the organization grow and restructure and it is my ultimate goal to establish IESF as the unifying body for esports.

What do you love most about what you do?

The speed that everything is happening. It’s developing so fast, and what you know today, can easily become old news tomorrow. In my nature, I love challenges and this is a big one. 

If you could write your own job title that best describes what you do here, what would it be?

Problem solver, maybe? There isn’t such a position invented, but it should be there

What’s one thing you’re really bad at?

I can’t say NO. I accept everything and try everything and still believe that everything is possible.

What’s one thing you’re really good at?

As the title says, solving problems. Quick thinking and fast adaptation to the situation. 

What nickname do you prefer to be called?

Everyone here calls me Toto

Coffee or tea?

COFFEE

Favourite music.

I love Hard rock, Metallica is my favorite band.

Who inspires you?

That would be our president, Vlad. Ever since I met him in 2016 I knew our paths will cross again and that I will be able to learn from the best. 

Would you rather be the funniest or smartest person in the room?

Funniest, 100%. We should all enjoy life as much as possible. 

Let’s talk about Esports! What are your goals and how do you think Esports will grow and develop in the next few years?

My goals are to make the players more appreciated, all of them, not just the professionals. Majority of Esports players are underappreciated and I want to change that. Esports will be an official sport, we will see it on major events worldwide and hopefully one day at the Olympics. 

What does Esports mean to you?

It’s my passion and I love it. I live, breathe and talk Esports 24/7. It’s my life!

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6708
Originally published on: Tue, 21 Sep 2021 11:58:45 +0000

The International Esports Federation has announced the PanAmerican Esports Confederation (PAMESCO), the European Esports Federation (EEF) and the African Esports Association (AESA) as the latest Continental Esports Federations to join the World Esports Family.

With the signing of these three regional federations, IESF has now unified all continents in the world. Driven by its values of unity, inclusion, and respect, IESF believes this kind of international cooperation will advance the growth of professional Esports, streamline organizational structure and support the development of smaller nations in the PanAmerican, European and African regions.

IESF Secretary General  Boban Totovski said:

“It is a very exciting time for IESF to welcome PAMESCO, EEF and AESA to the World Esport Family. IESF is proud to serve as the unifying body for our member federations that share our goal to develop sustainable and responsible gaming worldwide. IESF will continue to push forward with embracing all Esports stakeholders into our World Esports Family and shape the future of Esports. It is our responsibility to protect our member’s integrity and ensure proper structure in the ecosystem”

EEF President Karol Cagan said:

“It was a natural direction for Esports Europe to partner up with IESF. The role of the International Esports Federation is important to us and taking into consideration the assistance during our Nations Cup competitions, we are honored to open a new page in our history. Together, we will be an incremental part of the development of  the ecosystem in Europe, ensuring proper governance, responsible gaming and healthy youth.”

PAMESCO President Alexander Ospina said:

“We fully understand the international sports system in which we have a Sole Governing Body for each sports category, working with WESCO since the beginning as our Consortium, and with our National Federations developing Esports in America, we are more than happy, honored and ready to be under the Umbrella of IESF as the International Sole Governing Body of Esports. We are creating a solid and safe Esports ecosystem to leave a beautiful and proper legacy.”

AESA President Emmanuel Oyelaki said:

“Africa today celebrates its ascension to the World Esports body, IESF. This is the culmination of many years of solidarity and camaraderie on the African continent. Leaders in Esports in Africa have continued to unify and develop the Esports scenes on the motherland and today their sacrificial leadership has been validated as we embrace the IESF and join in the journey towards strengthening, developing, and unifying the global Esports world. We are very delighted to be a part of the very warm, inclusive, and progressive family that the IESF is.”

About the International Esports Federation

IESF is the unifying body for World Esports. Founded in 2008 by nine-member nations, IESF is currently composed of over 100 Member Federations across five continents. IESF brings together all Esports stakeholders to achieve a united ecosystem for the development of sustainable and responsible gaming worldwide. The IESF Esports World Championship is the biggest multi-sport spectacle of Esports in the world. IESF also organizes the annual Global Esports Executive Summit in order to support the highest standard of Esports governance worldwide.

About the Pan American Esports Confederation

Pan-American Esports Confederation is the governing body of Esports, for the american countries, non-profit organization, gathering together Esports national governing bodies and regional associations, regulating and creating Esports standards. PAMESCO has been established by Brazil, Argentina and Costa Rica, and their respective representative organizations, as founding members, and work to give Esports in the region much needed structure and legitimacy.

About the European Esports federation

Esports Europe – The European Esports Federation was founded in February 2020 as the umbrella federation for 23 national Esports organizations and 3 important stakeholders in the Esports ecosystem and beyond. The goal of the EEF is to (re)present Esports players and organizations in European politics, media, sports and society; as well as building a platform for its members and the Esports movement to develop and promote Esports as a conscious, responsible, sustainable, inclusive, healthy and value-based activity.

About the African Esports Association

AESA is an international organization headquartered in South Africa. It was established to promote the development and adoption of Electronic Sports (Esports) in Africa. With 35 (and counting) member nations, the future of Africa Esports is in safe hands. As part of our developmental programmes, we (then ESFA) cooperated with the Africa Esports Championship (AEC2020) as well as playing a critical role in the partnership between the World Esports Consortium (WESCO) and Enter Africa towards birthing the Afrika Esports Series.

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6675
Originally published on: Thu, 16 Sep 2021 10:22:23 +0000

It’s been the third time the Russian Esports Federation holds an event open for all participants regardless of their citizenship. The preliminary stage and the main stage, as usual, are happening online, while the Final stage of the RESF Open 2021 for the best four in each of the titles will take place in Nizhny Novgorod.

To recall, the first RESF Open finals took place in Tyumen , in 2018. Then athletes from 7 countries reached the Finals, and only two wins of four titles stayed in Russia. Dota 2 first place was taken by Elements Pro Gaming (Serbian-Croatian team), and Hearthstone first prize went to Belarus. Then, in 2019, Kazan hosted the event. In 2020, due to COVID, the event didn’t happen. Now it is coming back, greater and renewed.

The preliminaries will start quite soon. Though, there is still enough time to prepare, as the preliminaries will happen in several steps. Everyone who is strong enough to fight Russian players has a chance to get to the main stage. Also, the best athletes, proceeding to the Finals will be provided with travel, visa and accommodation in one of the most developed cities of the Russian Federation.

The titles are Dota2, Counter-Strike Global Offensive and Clash Royale.

Website of the RESF Open  (Russian) English page of RESF Open (English) Link to the Rules and Regulations  (English, general and all titles)

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6659
Originally published on: Mon, 13 Sep 2021 06:01:27 +0000

The IESF Global Esports Executive Summit 2021 (GEES21) came to a close today in Busan, South Korea, after two days of engaging discussion with some of the biggest names in the World Esports community. This year marks the Summit’s 6th year, and the 2nd year using an online/offline hybrid format.

The first day of GEES21 kicked off with a keynote speech from IESF President Vlad Marinescu under the title “Bringing our Communities Together,” which recognized the World Esports community as the “largest and freshest community on planet earth.”

Given the growth of the World Esports Family, and IESF being composed of a record 107 Member Federations, this was the biggest edition of the summit to date. From the stage, to the cameras, to the music – everything was bigger and better.

Many of the innovative details that brought  GEES21 to life will remain valuable additions for future GEES and IESF events. Technology advances allowed for amazing presentations and speeches that were streamed both live and  pre-recorded, while panelists participated in discussions from around the world both online and offline.

Hosted at the Busan Esports Arena, GEES21 had a great stage and all of the bright lights you would expect at the leading Esports executive conference, and questions for the Q&A periods and panels were harvested from the GEES event platform. IESF organizers expressed their gratitude to all of the participants and attendees for making such a valuable contribution to the world’s greatest Esports summit.

IESF will be releasing videos of the event on its Youtube channel in the coming days for those who were not able to watch the live event.

There were five (5) core areas covering the two-day event, each with a high-profile line-up of 38 speakers and panelists.

Fostering Growing Relationships The Next Level of Esports Diversity and Inclusion in Esports Integrating Esports into Education Understanding the Esports Landscape

IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski said: “IESF extends our sincerest gratitude to our esteemed delegates, and we look forward to working with you all again soon.  We are very proud that GEES21 provided international Esports leaders a platform to openly discuss the positive synergies in Esports, and are confident the Summit will inspire a better world for the future of the industry. We want to thank everyone who participated from the production team to our viewers online.We can’t wait to do it again next year welcoming delegates in real life in Busan, Korea.”

About Global Esports Executive Summit (GEES)

GEES21 took place live on August 31st and September 1st at the Busan Esports Arena in Busan, South Korea, and around the world with the hybrid offline/online format. The theme for this year’s summit is “Evolving and Adapting”, and after the success of last year’s event (also hybrid), participants from IESF’s over 100 member federations got to work discussing the most pressing Esports issues, and planning for the future of the booming industry.

Since 2016, GEES has gathered key Esports and sports stakeholders from around the globe to create an environment for discussion, education, and action towards Esports development through conferences, exhibitions, academic lectures, and networking events.

GEES21 has been supported by the Korean Ministry of Sports and Tourism, Busan Metropolitan City, and the Busan IT Promotion Agency. 

About the International Esports Federation

IESF is the unifying body for World Esports. Founded in 2008 by nine-member nations, IESF is currently composed of over 100 Member Federations across five continents. IESF brings together all Esports stakeholders to achieve a united ecosystem for the development of sustainable and responsible gaming worldwide. The IESF Esports World Championship is the biggest multi-sport spectacle of Esports in the world. IESF also organizes the annual Global Esports Executive Summit in order to support the highest standard of Esports governance worldwide.

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6640
Originally published on: Thu, 02 Sep 2021 13:01:56 +0000

The European Nations Cup 2021, in the discipline Counter-Strike: Global Offensive concluded on Friday, 25 August online streamed and supported by Digital Crusade and Romanian Esports League.

12 European CS:GO teams competed for a total prize pool of $5,000 USD.

Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Portugal, Romania, Turkey, Slovakia,Hungary, Serbia and Czech Republic were mixed in four groups. 

After the first day, the top 4 teams in the semifinals were Croatia, North Macedonia, Portugal and Romania. The  matches were BO2 and all CS:GO fans could really enjoy almost 8 hours of great matches. North Macedonia and Romania made this final even more interesting! Both teams played a top level CS:GO and small mistakes decided the winner. 

North Macedonia won the finals and $3,000!

We are looking forward to seeing them in some of the next competitions!

About the International Esports Federation  

IESF is the unifying body for World Esports. Founded in 2008 by nine-member nations, IESF is currently composed of over 100 Member Federations across five continents. IESF brings together all Esports stakeholders to achieve a united ecosystem for the development of sustainable and responsible gaming worldwide. The IESF Esports World Championship is the biggest multi-sport spectacle of Esports in the world. IESF also organizes the annual Global Esports Executive Summit in order to support the highest standard of Esports governance worldwide.

About the European Esports Federation  

Esports Europe – The European Esports Federation was founded in February 2020 as the umbrella federation for 23 national esports organizations and 3 important stakeholders in the esports ecosystem and beyond. The goal of the EEF is to (re)present esports players and organizations in European politics, media, sports and society; as well as building a platform for its members and the esports movement to develop and promote esports as a conscious, responsible, sustainable, inclusive, healthy and value-based activity.

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6636
Originally published on: Wed, 01 Sep 2021 14:37:54 +0000

The European ​eFootball Championship, in the discipline Pro Evolution Soccer – European Nations Cup 2021, concluded on Tuesday, 24 August in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine.

The three-day competition, organized by the International Esports Federation (IESF), the European Esports Federation (EEF) and the Ukrainian Sports Association was held for the first time in Ukraine. This tournament, which was attended by the best players from Europe, was also supported by the Ukrainian government. 

Eleven national teams from Europe participated in the European e​​Football Championship n: Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Hungary, Macedonia, Montenegro, Portugal, Romania, Turkey, Slovakia and Serbia. All of the national teams were mixed in four groups and most of the group stage matches were played on the first day of the European Nations Cup. The easiest way to do this was for Turkey and Serbia, who were only two in Group A – Austria was forced to withdraw from the competition due to the situation with COVID-19. After exchanging victories, both teams were calmly waiting for their opponents in the playoffs.

Portugal, Montenegro and North Macedonia  secured first places in Group B, C and D. Portugal showed an effective game in attack, Montenegro had the ability to hold the required score, and North Macedonia surprised with its strong defense.

Before the finals began, a third-place match was played in which Portugal defeated North Macedonia 2-1. Immediately after that, the match everyone was waiting for got underway. Final match was the best of three, so a very exciting finals competition was expected. 

The Serbian representative got off to a great start, scoring a goal right at the beginning of the match. The match was anticipated to be quite open and full of goals, but the defense on both sides put in great work. Djole defended without a mistake, so the first match ended with 1:0 for Serbia.

The second match started quite hard, which is why there were not many chances at the beginning. However, Djordje Miličević managed to break the resistance of the opponent in the 30th minute of the first part. In the second half, he played very calmly and waited for his chance, which he used in the 74th minute when he scored the second goal. By the end, Muchahit managed to reduce the opponent’s advantage, but that was not enough to return to the match.

The third match was the most exciting in this final and a match that the Turkey representative needed to win to progress in the competition. However, after only 30 minutes of the game, Djordje gained a 2-0 advantage, which put his opponent in a very bad position. However, Muchahit did not give up. He scored his first goal in the 55th minute, but only a few minutes later the Serbian national team player returned the two-goal difference. It seemed like the job was done, but with two goals in the end, Muchahit secured overtime. Both players had many opportunities to bring the match to an end in the 120th minute, but eventually, penalties followed. Both of them missed a few shots at the beginning, but Djordje managed to celebrate with 2-1 and to become the champion of the European National Cup. In addition to the big trophy, the Serbian representative also won a prize of €2,000! Serbia again became the European champion in PES, as Đorđe “Djole95” Milićević defeated Muchahit Sevimli 3-0 in the finals of the European National Cup!

About the International Esports Federation  

IESF is the unifying body for World Esports. Founded in 2008 by nine-member nations, IESF is currently composed of over 100 Member Federations across five continents. IESF brings together all Esports stakeholders to achieve a united ecosystem for the development of sustainable and responsible gaming worldwide. The IESF Esports World Championship is the biggest multi-sport spectacle of Esports in the world. IESF also organizes the annual Global Esports Executive Summit in order to support the highest standard of Esports governance worldwide. 

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6599
Originally published on: Fri, 27 Aug 2021 11:20:22 +0000

An exciting lineup of speakers from the World Esports Family are set for both days of the Global Esports Executive Summit.

There is just one week to go until IESF’s 6th annual Global Esports Executive Summit (GEES21) gets underway. IESF and its partners continue to make final preparations for what promises to be another enlightening hybrid event, taking place online and streaming live around the world from the Busan Esports Arena on August 31st and September 1st. 

Following the last announcement of prominent speakers for the first day of the Summit, IESF is pleased to release the full roster of expert guest speakers, presenters, and panelists that will contribute to the event’s second day of Esports programing.

Day two of GEES21 will include a brand new addition to the Summit – the World Esports Awards, which will take place on September 1st at 16:00 KST. This exciting new inclusion will present awards for Game of the Year, Team of the Year, Athlete of the Year and Organizer of the Year . The inaugural World Esports Awards will recognize and celebrate the best of the best in international Esports.

The second day of programing will also include two (2) sessions titled “Integrating Esports into Education ” and “Understanding the Esports Technological Landscape. ”

Agenda 1: Integrating Esports into Education

GEES21 aims to advance the integration of Esports into global education systems. Games-based learning continues to gain momentum as a medium for students to learn content, and for the development of critical 21st century skills, including collaboration with team members and analytical problem solving. 

This session will include two panel discussions. The first panel discussion is called A Holistic Look at Esports Research, and the second is titled Good Practices in Esports Education Programs .

IESF is excited to welcome the following esteemed contributors to GEES21:

Panel Discussion – A Holistic Look at Esports Research

Moderator: Nesligül Deniz Kolaşinli , Founder and Researcher, Ludos Co., IESF EDU, WIGJ

PanelistsTobias Scholz , Assistant Professor, University of Siegen David P. Hedlund, Ph.D. , Professor, Author, Researcher and Entrepreneur, St. John’s University and Hedlund-Chuang Consulting Group, LLC Angelica B. Ortiz de Gortari , Lead Researcher, Centre for the Science of Learning & Technology (SLATE) at the University of Bergen Dr. BerNadette Lawson-Williams , Full Professor of Sport Management/Founder/Advisor, Esports & Gaming Trifecta, the first at an HBCU, Johnson C. Smith University

Panel Discussion – Good Practices in Esports Education Programs

Moderator: Saygın Kolaşinli , Partnerships Manager, Gamelevate

PanelistsJohn L. Cash, Jr ., Managing Director and Professor, Johnson C. Smith University, Cxmmunity, and The Narmer Group LLC Richard Withers , Esports Development Manager, Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) Serhat Bekdemir , Commissioner, IESF EDU Melissa Burns , Founder/President, Esport Canada

Agenda 2 : Understanding the Esports Technological Landscape

GEES21 promotes analysis and discussion around the various technologies that contribute to the evolution of the Esports ecosystem.  This includes the exploration of new Esports applications, and evaluating real and potential advances in Esports technology. 

This session will feature a keynote address titled “New Esports Technologies ” and a panel discussion titled “New Frontiers in Esports Technology .”

Keynote Speech – New Esports Technologies

Keynote Address: Byungjoo Lee , Department of Computer Science Professor, Yonsei University

Panel Discussion – New Frontiers in Esports Technology

Moderator: Adveta Dwivedi , Head of Growth, Gamers Hub Middle East

Panelists Lance Mudd , Director of International Expansion, eFuse Daniel Sieradzan , CEO, StreamCards Miquel Matthys , CEO, 3D Aim Trainer Anders Blume , Creative Director, Skybox Erik Lydecker Founder/CEO, Pluck GG

The full list of speakers can be found at gees.iesf.org .

IESF extends its sincere gratitude to all of its partners, speakers and participants, and looks forward to warmly welcoming the World Esports Family at GEES21!

About Global Esports Executive Summit (GEES)

GEES21 is set to take place live on August 31st and September 1st at the Busan Esports Arena in Busan, South Korea, and around the world with the hybrid offline/online format. The theme for this year’s summit is “Evolving and Adapting” , and after the success of last year’s event (also hybrid), participants from IESF’s over 100 member federations are eager to get to work discussing the most pressing Esports issues, and planning for the future of the booming industry.

There are five (5) core areas planned for the two-day event. 

Fostering Growing Relationships The Next Level of Esports Diversity and Inclusion in Esports Integrating Esports into Education Understanding the Esports Landscape

Since 2015, GEES has gathered key Esports and sports stakeholders from around the globe to create an environment for discussion, education, and action towards Esports development through conferences, exhibitions, academic lectures, and networking events.

If you would like to participate in GEES21, either live or as an online delegate, you can register for free at gees.iesf.org

GEES21 is supported by Busan Metropolitan City, the Korean Ministry of Sports and Tourism, and the Busan IT Promotion Agency. 

About the International Esports Federation  IESF is the unifying body for World Esports. Founded in 2008 by nine-member nations, IESF is currently composed of over 100 Member Federations across five continents. IESF brings together all Esports stakeholders to achieve a united ecosystem for the development of sustainable and responsible gaming worldwide. The IESF Esports World Championship is the biggest multi-sport spectacle of Esports in the world. IESF also organizes the annual Global Esports Executive Summit in order to support the highest standard of Esports governance worldwide.

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6590
Originally published on: Wed, 25 Aug 2021 13:34:42 +0000

The Portuguese Esports Federation (PESF) announces a new partnership agreement with Exeedme, the first Portuguese Play2Earn platform.

Under the agreement, Exeedme will sponsor the Portuguese national teams in the European Nations Cup and Esports World Championship, competitions organized by the European Federation of Esports (EEF) and the International Federation of Esports (IESF), and provide the platform to organize the qualifiers to determine the Portuguese rosters of the national teams.

About the Portuguese Esports Federation

The Portuguese Esports Federation (PESF) or Federação Portuguesa de Desportos Eletrónicos (FPDE) in Portuguese was created in 2016 and aims to be the governing body of Esports in Portugal. Member of the International Esports Federation (IESF) and of the European Esports Federation (EEF), its mission is to educate the population about what Esports is and to promote its practice in a healthy way, to ensure the development of the ecosystem, to support all athletes and represent and support clubs at national and international levels. For more information visit FPDE website at: www.fpde.pt.

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6569
Originally published on: Tue, 17 Aug 2021 02:03:44 +0000

Top executives from IESF, ESL Gaming and Sandbox Gaming highlight a roster of speakers at the largest edition of the Global Esports Executive Summit.

The countdown to GEES21 is officially ON! With less than a month to go, IESF is putting the final touches on what promises to be another exciting and productive hybrid live/online event. Set to take place in Busan, South Korea at the Busan Esports Arena on August 31st and September 1st, this year’s Global Esports Executive Summit will once again boast an exciting roster of guest speakers, presenters, and panelists who will be participating from all around the world.

Today, IESF released the list of keynote speakers and panelists for the first day of the production, which covers three (3) of the five (5) core areas titled Fostering Growing Relationships, The Next Level of Esports, and Diversity and Inclusion in Esports.

Agenda 1 : Fostering Growing Relationships

This area will delve into the ways in which the Esports ecosystem and traditional sports industries can find areas of common-ground for crossover, convergence, and co-operation.

Keynote Speaker – Bringing Our Communities Together

𐄼 Vlad Marinescu , President, International Esports Federation (IESF)

Panel Discussion – Encouraging Esports and Traditional Sports Crossover

𐄼 David Shin , Business Development Manager & Project Manager, Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA) [Moderator]

𐄼 Alex Inglot , Commissioner of ESL Pro League & Player Representative on Board of ATP

𐄼 Ravneet Gill , Founder and CEO, New Horizons Alliance  [Panelist]

𐄼 Sean Zhang , CEO, Talon Esports

𐄼 Rodrigo Quesada , Business Development Director, Cedar Group  [Panelist]

Agenda 2 : The Next Level of Esports

Under this agenda, the keynote session will deliver on the opportunity to contribute to the local youth industry through local Esports team franchising.

The panel discussion will examine the ways in which the Esports industry has adapted to the global COVID-19 situation, and what long-term effects the pandemic will have on the Esports industry.

Keynote Speaker – Leveraging the Esports Advantage

𐄼 Pilsung Lee , Co-founder and CEO, Sandbox Network and Sandbox Gaming

Panel Discussion – How COVID-19 has changed Esports Industry

𐄼 Ashley Kang , Founder & Lead Content Producer, Korizon [Moderator]

𐄼 Madiha Naz , Team Captain, Galaxy Racer Esports (GXR) [Panelist]

𐄼 Minseong Kim , Player Manager, New York Excelsior  [Panelist]

𐄼 Baro Hyun , Director & Author, Big 4 Consulting Firms  [Panelist]

𐄼 Peeyush Kumar , Founder & CEO, Crowd Control Esports  [Panelist]

Agenda 3 : Diversity and Inclusion in Esports

This area will discuss the importance of global expansion, diversifying brand partnerships, and encouraging participation across all borders, cultures, races, religions, and genders as key factors for success.

Keynote Speaker – Empowering Women in Esports

𐄼 Jenn Mac , Director of Global Partnerships, Women in Games International (WIGI)

Panel Discussion – Expanding Market and Brand Partners

𐄼 Jenn Mac , Director of Global Partnerships, Women in Games International (WIGI) [Moderator]

𐄼 Fernando Pereira , Co-Founder, GIRLGAMER Esports Festival  [Panelist]

𐄼 Lucy Chow , Ambassador, Women in Games (WIGJ)  [Panelist]

𐄼 Donovan Auyong , Senior Business Development Manager – Asia, ESL Gaming  [Panelist]

𐄼 Alwin Wong , Head of Business Development & Partnerships, CAPSL Entertainment  [Panelist]

Special Session: The Importance of Esports Associations and Federations

This special session will delve into the important role of Esports associations and federations play  in the World Esports family, as they help unify, grow and facilitate programs for communities at all levels.

Speaker

𐄼 Ido Brosh , Board Member and Director of Global Programs, International Esports Federation (IESF)

IESF would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of the announced speakers and look forward to welcoming the World Esports Family at GEES21!

About GEES21

GEES21 is set to take place live on August 31st and September 1st at the Busan Esports Arena in Busan, South Korea, and around the world with the hybrid offline/online format. The theme for this year’s summit is “Evolving and Adapting” , and after the success of last year’s event (also hybrid), participants from IESF’s 104 member nations and stakeholders from Esports and Sports are eager to get to work discussing the most pressing Esports issues, and planning for the future of the booming industry.

There are five (5) core areas planned for the two-day event.

𐄼 Encouraging Esports and Traditional Sports Crossover

𐄼 The Next Level of Esports

𐄼 Diversity and Inclusion in Esports

𐄼 Integrating Esports into Education

𐄼 Understanding the Esports Landscape

Since 2015, GEES has gathered key Esports and sports stakeholders from around the globe to create an environment for discussion, education, and action towards esports development through conferences, exhibitions, academic lectures, and networking events.

If you would like to participate in GEES21, either live or as an online delegate, you can register for free at gees.iesf.org

GEES21 is supported by Busan Metropolitan City, the Korean Ministry of Sports and Tourism, and the Busan IT Promotion Agency.

About the International Esports Federation

IESF is the unifying body for World Esports. Founded in 2008 by nine-member nations, IESF is currently composed of over 100 Member Federations across five continents. IESF brings together all Esports stakeholders to achieve a united ecosystem for the development of sustainable and responsible gaming worldwide. The IESF Esports World Championship is the biggest multi-sport spectacle of Esports in the world. IESF also organizes the annual Global Esports Executive Summit in order to support the highest standard of Esports governance worldwide.

Source: https://iesf.org/?p=6555
Originally published on: Fri, 13 Aug 2021 15:31:30 +0000