The International Esports Federation is proud to join the newly established World Anti-Doping Agency Esports Working Group, reinforcing its commitment to building a fair, transparent, and sustainable future for esports.
As the global governing body for esports, IESF has long believed that integrity must be at the heart of competition. Joining the Working Group is an important step in helping shape how anti-doping principles can be effectively applied as esports continues to grow around the world.
Created by WADA's Sport Movement and Relations Department, the Esports Working Group brings together experts from international federations, national anti-doping organizations, National Olympic Committees, major event organizers, and the esports community to explore how the World Anti-Doping Code can be integrated into the unique landscape of competitive gaming.
IESF will be represented by Simona Ivanovska, who will contribute the Federation's experience in organizing international esports competitions and developing governance frameworks that prioritize fair play, athlete welfare, and integrity.
Shaping the Future Together
Esports is evolving rapidly, with more countries, institutions, and sports organizations recognizing its place within the global sporting ecosystem. As this growth continues, so does the need for clear guidance on how anti-doping programmes can support esports in a way that reflects its unique structure and challenges.
The Working Group will serve as a platform where experts from both traditional sport and esports can exchange knowledge, identify gaps in the current anti-doping framework, and develop practical recommendations for organizations implementing the World Anti-Doping Code.
Over the coming months, discussions will focus on key areas including testing programmes, Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs), results management, education, governance, and national recognition pathways. The process will include consultations with WADA departments, International Federations, National Anti-Doping Organizations, researchers, publishers, athlete representatives, and other experts from across the ecosystem.
The recommendations developed by the Working Group will help guide Code Signatories, including International Federations, National Anti-Doping Organizations, National Olympic Committees, Major Event Organizations, and public authorities in strengthening anti-doping practices within esports.
A Shared Commitment to Integrity
For IESF, integrity has always been more than a principle, it is a responsibility. From international competitions to governance initiatives, the Federation continues to work alongside its Member Federations to create an environment where athletes can compete with confidence and fairness.
Participation in the WADA Esports Working Group reflects IESF's ongoing commitment to contributing to the long-term development of esports as a credible, respected, and internationally recognized sporting discipline.
By bringing the perspective of the World of Esports community to the table, IESF looks forward to working alongside WADA and fellow stakeholders to help build practical, forward-looking anti-doping standards that support the continued growth of esports for athletes, federations, and future generations alike.