The Israeli Esports Association (IESA) proudly announces the successful completion of the 2024 “Gaming Fund” Project, marking a year of unprecedented growth and engagement in competitive gaming across Israel. With over 500 players competing in a wide range of titles, the initiative has solidified its role in fostering grassroots Esports development.
The 2024 edition was made possible through the support of Maccabi Israel, the leading sports
movement in the country, and Kravitz, a premier Israeli gaming retailer. As preparations begin for the 2025 edition, IESA is excited to expand its reach and offer even more opportunities for players and communities nationwide.
2024 Gaming Fund Project: By the Numbers
In 2024, the Gaming Fund Project hosted an impressive 51 tournaments, covering a diverse array of gaming titles. The initiative saw a total of 537 unique participants, demonstrating the rapid growth of Esports engagement in Israel. The top games by participation included:
- League of Legends
- Tekken
- Valorant
- eFootball
- EA Sports FC Series
Additionally, 80% of total players participated in more than one tournament, showing strong retention and competitive commitment. The tournament series attracted both emerging talents and seasoned competitors, furthering our bid to make Israel a regional Esports hub. Other popular titles that saw strong participation included Rocket League, Counter-Strike, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Magic: The Gathering Arena, EA Sports F1, and Assetto Corsa Compatizione.
In terms of age distribution, the youngest participant in 2024 was 15 years old, while the oldest was 59. Overall, 43% of participants were between the ages of 15-24, and 46% were between 25-34. The remaining participants fell within the 35-59 age range.
Looking Ahead: 2025 Expansion
Following the resounding success of 2024, the IESA is gearing up for an even more ambitious 2025 Gaming Fund Project. The upcoming season will introduce more game titles, new competition formats, and expanded community-driven events to ensure even greater inclusivity and accessibility. With an emphasis on fostering local talent and creating more structured pathways for competitive gamers, the 2025 project is set to elevate Israeli Esports to new heights.
IESA President, Ido Brosh, commented: “The Gaming Fund Project is more than just a competition—it’s a movement. We’ve witnessed incredible engagement from players of all backgrounds, and our goal for 2025 is to build on this momentum, providing even more opportunities for gamers to showcase their skills and develop their careers in Esports.”
With Israel’s Esports scene continuing to thrive, the IESA invites players, organizers, and
partners to join the movement and contribute to the growing success of competitive gaming
in the country.
