IESF and GEF Form Esports Leadership Group

The International Esports Federation (IESF) and the Global Esports Federation (GEF) have officially established the Esports Leadership Group (ELG) to formalize their cooperation and implement shared strategic initiatives. This development follows a series of collaborative agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the 2023 Global Esports Games in Riyadh. The ELG is chaired by International Olympic Committee (IOC) Vice President Ser Miang Ng, with leadership participation from IESF President HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud and GEF President Chris Chan.

The primary objective of the ELG is to create specialized working teams tasked with translating high-level cooperation agreements into tangible operational projects. By bridging the gap between traditional sports values and the innovation inherent in competitive gaming, the group aims to foster the global development of the industry. The involvement of the IOC, alongside the leadership overlap between the two federations, suggests a move toward greater institutional alignment and potential consolidation within the international esports governance landscape.

This initiative aligns with broader regional objectives in Saudi Arabia, which is actively positioning itself as a central hub for international esports events. The collaboration is expected to support the country’s long-term tourism and entertainment goals, including the development of major infrastructure projects like Qiddiya and NEOM. By integrating with the IOC’s ongoing efforts regarding the Olympic Esports Games, the ELG serves as a strategic vehicle to integrate esports into the global sporting ecosystem while facilitating the growth of large-scale international tournaments.