In 2009, a vision was born, a vision that would soon redefine the World Esports landscape. The first-ever World Esports Championship (WEC) took place in the city of Taebaek, Korea, and marked the beginning of something unique. What started as a humble gathering with just six nations: Korea, China, Romania, Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany, united not by borders, but by passion, ambition, and belief in a new future for esports, the IESF legacy.
The inaugural WEC showcased some of the best players competing in FIFA Online 2, Warcraft, and A.V.A., setting the stage for a new era of international esports competition. For the very first time, athletes had the opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage, with the eyes of the world beginning to turn toward competitive gaming.
But the First WEC was more than just a tournament. It was the birth of the International Esports Federation, a foundation that would go on to lead the charge for esports’ future, creating the legacy of flagship championships that we know today. It was the start of a journey for athletes who would compete not just for the glory of victory but for the honor and pride of representing their nations.
From this first event, the dream of international recognition and unity within the esports community took root, and it marked the beginning of a tradition of excellence, competition, and inclusivity, all of which continue to define IESF’s mission and its flagship event, the World Esports Championship.
The journey has been long, but it started here, with a small yet significant moment in Taebaek. It was the beginning of something much larger than any of us could have imagined.
This was the beginning of everything. This is where the legacy began.
