Under the Hood: IESA’s Gaming Fund

The Israeli Esports Association (IESA) launched its Gaming Fund in April 2024 to foster grassroots esports development within Israel. The primary objective of the initiative is to provide financial support for local tournament organizers, including academic institutions, small for-profit entities, and Discord-based communities. By funding prize pools and incentivizing consistent player participation, the IESA aims to secure official recognition for esports as a legitimate sport. The fund is supported by Maccabi Israel, the Israeli Ministry of Sport, and the retailer Kravitz.

The program utilizes a direct-payment model, providing tournament prizes ranging from $100 to $250. To encourage long-term engagement, the fund also offers "persistence prizes" of up to $100 to any player who competes in at least four IESA-affiliated tournaments within a single season. This structure is designed to reward commitment rather than solely focusing on elite performance. As of late 2024, the initiative has engaged approximately 1,500 registered players and 25 tournament organizers.

The IESA operates as a non-profit, member-owned organization founded by industry veterans and professional players. While the fund receives government backing through the Ministry of Sport, the association maintains operational independence from the state. The current 2024 rollout serves as a trial period, with a formal evaluation scheduled for the end of the year to determine the future viability and scope of the project.