The International Esports Federation has elected a new six-member board for 2019–2022, representing four continents, as the organisation reaffirms its role in uniting the global esports community.
The International Esports Federation (IESF) has announced the election of a new board for the 2019–2022 term during its recent General Meeting, marking a significant leadership update for the South Korea-based non-profit. Founded in 2008, the IESF now boasts 56 member nations—with Macau being the most recent addition in July 2016—and aims to represent the global esports ecosystem through a democratic structure involving athletes, organisations, and publishers.
The newly elected board features six members from six different nations, spanning four continents:
- Colin Webster (South Africa) – President
- Vlad Marinescu (USA) – Vice President
- His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al-Nahayan (U.A.E) – Board Member
- Young Man Kim (South Korea) – Board Member
- Ido Brosh (Israel) – Board Member
- Boban Totovski (Macedonia) – Board Member
IESF President Colin Webster praised the board’s composition, highlighting their deep experience in both traditional sports and esports administration. “This year’s board are full of leaders in their own right with a proven track record,” Webster said. “His Highness Sheikh Sultan is into his fifth term as President of an Asian Sports Federation, Vlad Marinescu has served as Director General of GAISF, and Mr. Young Man Kim is considered one of the fathers of esports, offering wisdom and insight that add immeasurable value.”
The election results were accompanied by a statement from the IESF reinforcing its claim as the only global body to democratically represent the entire esports community. This includes not just players, but also teams, organisers, and publishers, reflecting the organisation’s long-standing mission to act as a unifying presence in the industry.
However, the leadership change comes at a time of shifting dynamics in global esports governance. On the same day as the IESF’s announcement, the Global Esports Federation (GEF) was officially launched, backed by Chinese technology giant Tencent as its founding global partner. While the IESF’s statement did not directly address the formation of the GEF, the timing of the two announcements underscores an increasingly competitive landscape for international esports governance.
Industry observers note that the emergence of multiple global governing bodies raises questions about the future direction of esports regulation, recognition, and standardisation. The IESF, which has built its reputation over more than a decade, now faces the challenge of maintaining unity across a sector that is growing rapidly but is also subject to conflicting commercial and organisational interests.
For its part, the IESF is signalling continuity and stability through the election of experienced and geographically diverse leaders. With representation from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, the new board embodies the federation’s global scope and commitment to inclusivity.
Looking ahead, the board will oversee initiatives to strengthen the IESF’s influence, expand its membership base, and enhance its role as a bridge between the esports industry and the wider sports community. Whether the organisation can sustain its position as the primary unifying force for global esports will depend on its ability to navigate the evolving governance landscape and deliver tangible benefits for stakeholders across all levels of competition.
