Want a say in how your sport is run? Now’s your chance.
Applications for the IESF Athletes Committee are now open and will run from 15 November to 5 December. Candidates will be named on 7 December and voting will take place during the World Esports Championship 2026 (WEC26) in Banten, Indonesia. Eight seats are up for grabs, two from each of IESF’s four regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia and Oceania, and Europe, and applicants must meet a strict set of criteria to be eligible to stand.
Why it matters
The Athletes Committee is the athletes’ voice to the IESF Board. It advises on the issues that shape an athlete’s career, from anti-doping and eligibility to athletes’ rights and competition rules. It can make recommendations, propose projects, and play an advisory role in athlete disputes and disciplinary hearings at IESF events, and Committee members serve a three-year term.
Elected by athletes, for athletes
Voting is strict. Only athletes competing at the 18th World Esports Championship (WEC26) in Banten, Indonesia, are eligible to vote, meaning candidates are elected by their peers - the people they will represent - and no one else. Voting runs from 12 to 17 December during WEC26 and the new Committee members will be announced on 25 December 2026.
Can you stand?
You can stand if you’re 16 or over, come from a nation in one of the four regions, and meet at least two of these:
prior experience as an esports athlete
prior experience in esports
having worked with your National Federation in the past three years
having represented your nation at an IESF-accredited event
No nation may hold more than one seat.
IESF President Vlad Marinescu said: “Athletes are the heart and soul of esports, and a huge reason why this federation exists, and so they should help shape every decision we make for and about them. This Committee is their seat at the table, and it’s chosen by the athletes themselves through a transparent, democratic process. If you’ve competed for your nation and you have something to say, this is your moment. Step up and raise your voice.”
Key dates
15 November – 5 December: applications open
7 December: candidates announced
12 – 17 December: voting by athletes at WEC26
25 December: new members announced
👉 Apply: https://iesf.org/athletes-committee/election
📄 Regulations: https://iesf.org/uploads/documents/doc-1771858684314-173387974.pdf
From here on out, it’s anyone’s game.