As 2024 wraps up, we want to look back on an incredible year filled with records, progress, and big achievements. This year’s success was driven by the dedication of our athletes, member federations, publishers, partners and the whole community who made every moment of this year extraordinary. Here’s what made this year special:
Setting Records and Breaking Barriers
The beginning of the year set the course for the rest of the year with a record 130 member federations registered for the 16th World Esports Championship. This record highlighted the growth and interest in Esports in each region esports and set the stage for what would be a standout year.
Inclusivity was a huge part of WEC24 with the introduction of two women’s categories: CS2 Women and the inaugural MLBB Women’s competition. These tournaments showed everybody the incredible talent and the importance of Women’s representation in esports. The strong viewership and quality competition reaffirmed our commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity in the future
The First African Esports Championship
This year also marked the launch of the African Esports Championship in Casablanca, Morocco, the first major offline event on the continent. The event brought together top African esports athletes and an enthusiastic crowd. It was a big moment for both IESF and Africa’s esports community, marking a check on another of our goals – to grow and expand Esports in every corner of the world.
WEC24 in Riyadh: A Global Showcase
After months of preparation, national and then regional qualifiers, WEC24 in Riyadh delivered an unforgettable experience. Athletes from around the world competed at the highest level, with new champions rising and records being set. Special congratulations to Indonesia, who earned the Overall Champion title by excelling across all game titles.
Strengthening Leadership
Riyadh also hosted our 16th Ordinary General Meeting, where over 150 delegates gathered to shape the future of IESF. This year’s democratic elections resulted in a restructured Executive Board, composed entirely of elected members. This evolution reflects our commitment to transparency and inclusivity in leadership, strengthening our foundation for the future.
Closing the Year in Busan
We ended the year with the World Esports Summit 2024 in Busan. The event featured panels on key Esports topics, initiatives like the Referee Academy, Training Camp, and World Idea Quest, and the presentation of the National Federation of the Year Award to Indonesia. Their work throughout the year, on and off the stage set a high standard for all.
This year, IESF family has grown up to 146 member federations. As we step into 2025, our focus remains on building a stronger, more united Esports community. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making 2024 such a remarkable year. Together, we’ll aim even higher in the year ahead.
