Over the years, Esports has transformed from just gaming into a worldwide phenomenon. At the heart of this transformation stands the International Esports Federation, dedicated to uniting national Esports communities under one umbrella. Since 2008, with just 9 member nations, IESF has grown into a worldwide network of 151 National Federations by 2025.
Mapping the Growth: IESF’s Esports Expansion
From 9 to 151 nations, IESF’s mission has been clear: bringing together national federations to develop a structured and sustainable Esports ecosystem. Here’s a look at how this growth unfolded:
One of the biggest milestones came in 2020, when 29 new nations joined IESF in a single year. This signaled a massive shift in World Esports recognition, setting the way for more structured development, governance, and inclusion.
The Importance of IESF National Federations
National Federations are the backbone of Esports development in each country. They work to:
- Promote grassroots Esports – Ensuring young talent has pathways to compete.
- Support fair play & integrity – Implementing rules and anti-doping measures.
- Create Esports opportunities – Connecting athletes, teams, and stakeholders.
- Push for recognition – Working with governments to recognise Esports as a legitimate sport.
Each new NF brings unique contributions, strengthening IESF’s mission to create a more unified, structured, and fair World of Esports.
With 151 nations and counting, the next question is: how far can esports go? The rapid growth of IESF proves that Esports is not just a passing trend but a cultural and competitive force that connects continents.
