Eighteen years ago, nine nations came together around a vision that would help shape the future of competitive gaming: esports deserved international recognition, unified governance and a place on the global sporting stage. Today, the International Esports Federation (IESF) celebrates its 18th anniversary, representing 154 Member National Federations across six continents!
Founded in August 2008 by Korea, Germany, Austria, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Chinese Taipei and Vietnam, IESF set out to establish the foundations of international esports governance. Its first international competition followed in 2009, beginning a journey that would see the federation grow into a global organisation.
The journey was built through milestones that helped shape the industry. In 2012, IESF introduced a dedicated women's competition at the World Esports Championship. In 2013, it became a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code and took the Championship beyond Korea for the first time, to Bucharest, Romania. Since then, it has traversed continents and communities, landing in Banten for its 2026 edition, making Indonesia a three-time host.
From 46 Member Federations in 2016 to 100 in 2020, IESF continued expanding its international reach. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the federation kept the global community connected by moving its Regional Qualifiers online. In 2022, the World Esports Championship in Bali welcomed a record 105 nations, featured the first women's CS competition and saw host nation Indonesia crowned champion.
Today, IESF continues to strengthen its role in the World Esports ecosystem, entering a new chapter under the leadership of President Vlad Marinescu, re-elected for his second term in December 2025. Through a renewed focus on governance, financial responsibility and long-term sustainability, the federation has settled its outstanding debts, achieved a debt-free position and established stronger institutional foundations for future growth. With a clear direction and renewed stability, IESF is focused on building an organisation equipped to lead the next era of world esports.
"Eighteen years of IESF represent much more than competitions and milestones. They represent the work of thousands of people who believed in the future of esports and helped build the structures that support it today. From nine founding nations to 154 Member Federations, this is a collective achievement, and one we continue to build together," said IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski.
IESF President Vlad Marinescu added: "Eighteen years ago, nine nations believed esports deserved the same recognition, integrity and structure as any other sport. They were right, and they had the courage to act on that belief. Today, 154 Member Federations carry that vision forward. This December, as 101 nations come together in Banten for WEC26, we celebrate not only how far we have come, but the future we are building together. Our mission remains unchanged: Together, united in esports."
From nine founding nations to a global community spanning six continents, IESF's story is one of ambition, perseverance and international cooperation. Eighteen years later, the vision continues.
Eighteen years built together. The future of world esports starts here.
For more information about WEC26, visit www.iesf.org.