Apply to join the federation

IESF MembershipApplication Process

Three membership tiers, one application path. Below is everything you need to know about joining the International Esports Federation as a member nation.

152

Member nations

95

Full members

57

Associate members

18

Years governing esports

Categories

IESF Member Categories

Pick the tier that matches where your federation is today. Most federations start as Associate and upgrade to Full once recognised at home.

01

Associate Member

First level of membership. Your entry into the federation, ahead of full-member status.

  • Compete in IESF events including the World Esports Championship
  • Adopt the IESF rulebook and competition framework
  • Pursue recognition from your national sports authority
  • Eligible to upgrade to full member after meeting the criteria
02

Full Member

Highest level. Voting rights at the General Assembly and the right to nominate candidates for IESF positions.

  • Vote at the IESF General Assembly
  • Nominate candidates for IESF Board, Committees, and Secretariat
  • Run national qualifiers feeding the World Esports Championship
  • Active seat in IESF bodies and working groups
03

Affiliate Member

For organisations that want to officially collaborate with IESF without being a member federation.

  • Officially recognised collaboration with IESF
  • Work directly with member federations on programs
  • Join joint initiatives across the network
  • Authorised support and partnership channels

Reasons to join

Why Join IESF?

01

Participate in the World Esports Championship

Send national teams and athletes to the world's largest federation-run esports event, alongside 152 nations.

02

Develop the esports ecosystem at home

Get the framework, rulebook, and partner network to grow esports in your country in a structured way.

03

Join the largest international esports network

Direct relationships with member federations across 5 continents and connections with IOC-aligned bodies.

04

Support for official recognition

Documentation and guidance to help your federation pursue recognition by national sports authorities and the NOC.

05

Access to unique esports infrastructure

Tournament tooling, broadcast partners, education programs, anti-cheat resources, and rights frameworks built for member federations.

The four steps

How To Become an IESF Member

  1. Step 1

    Documentation collection

    Gather the seven documents listed below. If documentation is in your local language, please include an English translation.

    1

  2. Step 2

    Submit your application

    Complete the registration form with accurate, detailed information about your organisation. Save and resume any time.

    Apply here
    2

  3. Step 3

    Assessment

    Our team and the Membership Committee review your documentation against IESF criteria — structure, activities, and plans.

    3

  4. Step 4

    Approval

    Once the Membership Committee completes the assessment, you're notified of your status. Approved applicants are officially granted IESF Membership.

    4

Ready to apply?

With your documents ready, the application form takes about 15 minutes. Save and resume any time using the secure link emailed to you on first submission.

Already an associate member? Apply for the full-member upgrade.