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Global Esports Federation

The Global Esports Federation is an inclusive platform that promotes the credibility, legitimacy and prestige of esports.
Global Esports Federation
Leadership team

Chris Chan (President)

Paul J. Foster (Chief Executive Officer)

Steven Ma (Vice President, China)

Chester King  (Vice President, UK)

T A Ganda Sithole  (Vice President, Zimbabwe)

Adrian Lismore  (Vice President, Ireland)

Melita N. Moore, M.D.  (Vice President, USA)

Headquarters
3 Stadium Drive, Singapore, 397630, SG
Region served
worlwide
Year stablished
2019
Address
3 Stadium Drive, Singapore, 397630, SG
Social Media
Summary

The Global Esports Federation is an inclusive platform that promotes the credibility, legitimacy and prestige of esports. With over 130 global partnerships and Member Federations, including leading brands, publishers, developers, and strategic allies, the Federation is dedicated to advancing the credibility, legitimacy, and prestige of esports worldwide. The Global Esports Federation serves as a unifying force, bringing together athletes, players, and industry leaders onto a singular platform to drive innovation and growth.

Through initiatives aimed at elevating standards and best practices, the Federation strives to ensure a fair and transparent playing field for all participants. Among the partners of the Global Esports Federation are key stakeholders who share its vision for the future of esports. Tencent is the founding global partner alongside other global partners such as Amazon MGM Studios and Refract Interactive Technology. Additionally, the Federation is backed by global supporters like ISB and collaborates closely with strategic partners including the Arab Esport Federation, Arcadia.tv, Dentsu, Commonwealth Sport, Invictus Games Foundation, and European Olympic Committees.

History

The Riyadh 2023 Global Esports Games, in partnership with key entities like Savvy Games Group, Qiddiya, STC Play, KFC, and TCL, exemplifies the Federation's dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation on a global scale. Through initiatives like these, the Global Esports Federation is poised to shape the future of esports, ensuring its growth and sustainability for generations to come.

The inaugural Pan American Esports Championships, presented by the Global Esports Federation and Panam Sports, coincide with the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, hosting athletes from 41 nations across the Americas. This marquee event features renowned multi-genre esports titles and is complemented by the GEFestival, highlighting the diverse esports culture. Additionally, the flagship GEFcon brings together global thought leaders and stakeholders from esports and related industries to exchange ideas and explore future opportunities within the esports landscape.

The inaugural European Games Esports Championships (#EGE23), organized by the Global Esports Federation in collaboration with the European Olympic Committees (EOC), is slated to take place from June 30 to July 2. Set against the backdrop of the third edition of the European Games in Kraków and the Ma?opolska region of Poland, this landmark event will gather esports athletes and teams from across Europe at the International Congress Center in Katowice. As a GEF Marquee event, #EGE23 will see digital competition unfold in parallel with 7,000 athletes representing 48 nations and territories, making it a significant addition to the region's sporting calendar.

Goals and Purpose

The Global Esports Federation (GEF) is committed to advancing the esports industry through a set of core objectives aimed at promoting inclusivity, integrity, and sustainability. Its mission is the encouragement and support for the establishment of esports federations worldwide, along with the development of relevant standards, guidelines, and regulations. By establishing a framework for governance and accountability, the federation aims to create a level playing field that fosters fair competition and ethical practices across all levels of esports.

In line with its commitment to athlete welfare, the GEF is focused to the establishment of an athlete/player commission, with an aim to promote athlete wellness, developing standards for inclusive fair play, and providing career support to esports professionals. Through initiatives aimed at nurturing talent and safeguarding the well-being of players, the federation strives to ensure that esports remains a rewarding and sustainable career path for aspiring athletes.

The federation also aims to develop governance structures and guidelines that uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the esports ecosystem. By providing a framework for effective governance, it aims to promote responsible gaming practices, holistic wellness, and career pathways for players and athletes. Additionally, the GEF is committed to convening esports competitions, conventions, and educational development programs that inspire innovation and excellence within the industry.

Impact

The GEF hosts the annual flagship event, the Global Esports Games that serves as a celebration of the universality of esports, bringing together athletes, fans, and industry stakeholders from around the world. Through the staging of international, continental, and regional events throughout the year, the federation aims to promote the growth and development of esports on a global scale.

The GEF embraces innovation and technological advancement, showcasing the responsible use of emerging technologies such as AI, VR, AR, MR, IoT, and 5G. By harnessing the power of technology, it aims to enhance the esports experience, drive innovation, and create new opportunities for players and fans alike. 

The Global Esports Federation (GEF) also introduced the 'Fit for Life Day' initiative at PEC23, aligning with UNESCO's 'Fit for Life' campaign to combat physical inactivity, address mental health challenges, and promote societal inclusivity and resilience. With UNESCO's support, this initiative focuses on five key objectives, prioritising grassroots participation in esports and advocating for quality physical education to counteract rising rates of inactivity and chronic diseases. As part of this effort, the GEF launches a dynamic awareness campaign inviting individuals to share one-minute video clips using the hashtag #FitforLifeDay.

The Global Esports Academy, an initiative of the Global Esports Federation powered by the GEF Education, Culture, and Youth Commission, focuses on empowering grassroots esports development and youth advancement through educational resources and services. These include complimentary materials covering online safety, health, wellness, and esports career pathways, delivered through collaborations with leading esports, gaming, technology, and academic entities. The Academy offers coaching accreditation utilizing internationally recognized theory and practice, emphasizing a safe and inclusive environment. Additionally, it provides professional development opportunities and curates content with the academic community, ensuring esports integration at all levels of education for comprehensive youth development.

References
Global Esports Federation
Leadership team

Chris Chan (President)

Paul J. Foster (Chief Executive Officer)

Steven Ma (Vice President, China)

Chester King  (Vice President, UK)

T A Ganda Sithole  (Vice President, Zimbabwe)

Adrian Lismore  (Vice President, Ireland)

Melita N. Moore, M.D.  (Vice President, USA)

Headquarters
3 Stadium Drive, Singapore, 397630, SG
Region served
worlwide
Year stablished
2019
Address
3 Stadium Drive, Singapore, 397630, SG
Social Media