Board appoints Olympic movement veteran Song Luzeng as Senior Advisor.
July 2, 2020
The Global Esports Federation Board today confirmed the appointment of Song Luzeng as the Senior Advisor to the Board. With close to 40 years of involvement in the Olympic movement, he brings with him a wealth of global experience.
At the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Song serves as a Vice President and is the Chairman of the OCA Sports Committee.
He is member of the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Education Commission and serves on the Executive Board at the Chinese Olympic Committee.
“I am honored to take on this new opportunity and thank the GEF President and Board for entrusting me with this new mission. I look forward to focusing on the convening efforts between the GEF, the esports community and traditional sport industry; to elevate sport with technology, promoting healthy and active lifestyles,” said Song Luzeng.
Chris Chan, President, Global Esports Federation, said, “I am delighted to welcome Song Luzeng as the Senior Advisor to the GEF Board. His extensive global experience and expansive connections in the sport industry make him a valuable addition to the GEF. I look forward to working closely with him and the Board to further the GEF’s aim for global collaborations, creating new and exciting ways to interact and engage with esports and sport.”
Song embarked on a career in the Olympic movement in 1982 at the Secretariat of the Chinese Olympic Committee, where he progressed through various roles to Deputy Secretary General and ultimately Secretary General, a role he held for 10 years. In service of China’s role in the Olympic movement, Song was Secretary General of the Bid Committee for Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games; and Executive Board Member, Beijing 2008 Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad; among others.
Recently, the GEF marked six months of unprecedented achievements in establishing significant partnerships, bridging the connection between esports, active esports and traditional sport. The Federation had previously announced strategic collaborations with the Olympic Council of Asia to promote and develop esports across Asia, as well as with the Commonwealth Games Federation and ODESUR to develop a Commonwealth Esports strategy and spearhead South American esports strategy, respectively.
#worldconnected
The world connects with the GEF;
accelerating engagement with the global esports community.
June 29, 2020
The Global Esports Federation Board, meeting in full to cap the organization’s dynamic first six months, highlighted milestone achievements including several landmark partnerships and confirmed key next-phase priorities.
The Global Esports Federation confirms landmark partnerships within six months since launch,
cementing its position in the international esports community
“Congratulations to the GEF Board and the 70 Commission members at the GEF for their considerable contributions during this unprecedented time,” said Chris Chan, President, Global Esports Federation. “The GEF Board, through the collective energy and expertise of its members, has been successful in establishing the Federation. Our organization has developed initiatives that are in service to the esports community – promoting the credibility, legitimacy and prestige of esports. I am pleased to welcome the Founding Circle of GEF Members to our #worldconnected family and look forward to encouraging active dialogue, engagement and participation together.”
The GEF has built significant partnerships since the worldwide launch at its Singapore headquarters on December 16, 2019, cementing its position in the international esports community. Among the partnerships confirmed since:
• Tencent as Founding Global Partner;
• Partnership with the Commonwealth Games Federation to develop esports strategy throughout the Commonwealth’s reach;
• Collaboration with the Olympic Council of Asia to promote and develop esports across and throughout Asia;
• Cooperative Agreement with Organización Deportiva Suramericana (ODESUR) to spearhead South American esports strategy;
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU) membership to launch global dialogue on esports, supporting establishment of international standards;
• Strategic partnership with Dentsu Inc. to focus on joint efforts in developing new marketing programs and sports events;
• Refract as Global Partner for Interactive Technology to pioneer active esports worldwide.
The Global Esports Federation expands global footprint; welcomes 54 Member Federations,
convening the world’s esports community.
The GEF confirmed 63 members, comprising Member Federations, International Federations and strategic partners, bridging the connection between esports, active esports and traditional sport. The Board discussed and confirmed the strategy and approach for the annual flagship Global Esports Games, which will be announced shortly.
“We believe that the future of esports continues to be bright and look forward to embarking on the next phase of growth and development,” added Chan. “In addition to creating a convening platform for a safe, inclusive and healthy esports ecosystem, we aim for global collaborations encouraging and showcasing innovation and the responsible use of technology for good.”
The Global Esports Federation proudly draws on a diverse range of experience and expertise from the worlds of esports and sport to elevate the future of esports, bringing the global community together through a #worldconnected.
The Global Esports Federation List of Member Federations.
| 1. | Singapore | 28. Mauritania |
| 2. | Argentina | 29. Republic of Moldova |
| 3. | Azerbaijan | 30. Mongolia |
| 4. | Bahamas | 31. Montenegro |
| 5. | Belarus | 32. Nepal |
| 6. | Belgium | 33. Nigeria |
| 7. | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 34. Pakistan |
| 8. | Brazil | 35. Paraguay |
| 9. | Brunei Darussalam | 36. Peru |
| 10. | Canada | 37. Philippines |
| 11. | Chille | 38. Poland |
| 12. | People's Republic of China | 39. Portugal |
| 13. | Cuba | 40. Saudi Arabia |
| 14. | Czech Republic | 41. Serbia |
| 15. | Djibouti | 42. South Africa |
| 16. | Dominican Republic | 43. Sri Lanka |
| 17. | Georgia | 44. Suriname |
| 18. | India | 45. Chinese Taipei |
| 19. | Indonesia | 46. Trinidad and Tobago |
| 20. | Islamic Republic of Iran | 47. Tunisia |
| 21. | Ireland | 48. Turkey |
| 22. | Italy | 49. Turkmenistan |
| 23. | Jamaica | 50. Ukraine |
| 24. | Japan | 51. United Kingdom |
| 25. | Kazakhstan | 52. United States of America |
| 26. | Lebanon | 53. Uruguay |
| 27. | Malta | 54. Venezuela |
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History-making collaboration will serve youth of Asia.
June 24, 2020
The President of the Olympic Council of Asia, His Excellency Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, has the pleasure of announcing that upon the recommendation of the OCA Executive Board the OCA has decided to collaborate with the Global Esports Federation to promote and develop esports across and throughout Asia.
This historic collaboration promises to celebrate and inspire millions of youth in Asia, already home to some of the most important and exciting athletes and players and, as well, innovators in technology and change-makers in the dynamic esports community.
“The OCA looks forward to working with the Global Esports Federation in serving the youth of Asia,” Sheikh Ahmad said. “One of the big stories of our time is esports, and the OCA is pleased to join forces with the GEF to maximize the potential of esports, for good.”
The President of the Global Esports Federation, Chris Chan, said, “In partnering with the OCA, driven by the visionary leadership of its President and Executive Board, we acknowledge the depth and breadth of progressive innovation in this dynamic, youthful continent. Together, we will convene a partnership focused on advancing forward-thinking and future-oriented initiatives in service to athletes, players and youth.”
The Olympic Council of Asia, with its 45 National Olympic Committees, represents 4.6 billion people, nearly 60 percent of the world’s population, including at least 700 million youth ages 15 to 24. The OCA has been recognized worldwide as a pioneer in advancing the direction of esports — introducing esports for the first time at the 2007 Asian Indoor Games in Macau. Esports was featured as a demonstration sport at the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, with 11,300 athletes from 45 participating teams.
“We are grateful to the OCA President and the Executive Board for their trust and confidence,” said Chan. “We look forward to doing big things together.”
Launched on December 16, 2019, in Singapore, the Global Esports Federation proudly draws on a diverse range of experience and expertise from the world of esports and the sporting community to help develop the credibility, legitimacy and prestige of esports in society. Tencent, one of the world’s leading technology companies, is the Founding Global Partner of the GEF. The Federation was founded to further elevate the future of esports, bringing the global community together through a #worldconnected.
June 22, 2020
The Global Esports Federation today announced that it has entered a strategic partnership with Dentsu Inc. to promote the global development and growth of esports.
The Global Esports Federation and Dentsu establish strategic partnership to promote the global development of esports
Chris Chan, President, Global Esports Federation said, “We are certain that this strategic partnership will strengthen the future prospects of the GEF, expanding the vital work that the team has already established. We look to Dentsu for their expertise to bring together the best of esports and sport, further fulfilling our mission to elevate esports and the world’s esports ecosystem.”
The GEF was launched in December 2019, in Singapore, to establish the voice and authority for the worldwide esports movement. The Federation brings together diverse leaders from esports, as well as traditional sporting organizations and athletes, with the vision to create a sustainable ecosystem for esports. Tencent is the Founding Global Partner of the GEF, while the Japan esports Union (JeSU) is a member of the Federation. Hideki Okamura, Representative Director of JeSU, was recently appointed as a member of the GEF Board.
The strategic partnership will focus on joint efforts to develop new marketing programs and esports events. In collaboration with JeSU, Dentsu will lend its expertise and experience to collaborate with various game publishers, commercial partners and various International Organizations to further elevate the credibility, legitimacy and prestige for esports.
#worldconnected
The dialogue will support establishment of international standards for the esports ecosystem.
18 June 2020
The Global Esports Federation (GEF) has become a member of ITU’s standardization arm (ITU-T) to launch a global dialogue on the new partnerships emerging in support of the fast-growing competitive esports industry. The dialogue aims to create the conditions necessary to establish international standards and guidelines for the esports ecosystem.
The meteoric rise in esports’ popularity compels exciting visions of the future of sport, health and entertainment. Esports have come to enjoy an audience of over 450 million people, with revenues exceeding 1 billion USD per year and growing at an annual rate well over 20 per cent.
The ‘Global Dialogue on Esports’ will launch on 24 June 2020 with the first of a new series of webinars under the banner of the AI for Good Global Summit.
The series will explore the business and social dynamics underlying esports and the partnerships supporting its explosive growth. It will showcase innovations in fields such as Artificial Intelligence; Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality; IMT-2020/5G; and the Internet of Things. It will also discuss actions required to support esports competitors and fans in enjoying these sports actively and sustainably.
“All industries are innovating with ICTs, but ICTs have enabled the emergence of an entirely new industry in esports,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “By joining ITU, the Global Esports Federation has signalled the intent of the esports industry to build its future on the reliability offered by international standards, in concert with the diverse ITU membership.”
“We are honored to embark on this strategic partnership with the ITU in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and further strengthening the GEF’s mission of convening the world’s esports ecosystem,” said GEF President Chris Chan. “This partnership allows us to develop a pathway together to foster more international collaboration between our respective communities. The future of esports continues to be bright, and we look forward to developing great collaborations with the ICT industry, elevating esports based on the traditions and values of sport and the principle of harnessing technology for good.”
Esports have the potential to form a leading example of ‘Tech for Good’, with innovations in the field demonstrating considerable promise to support health and wellbeing, gender equality, education and persons with disabilities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of connectivity and inclusivity to the economy and society, providing a powerful reminder of the importance of ICTs to the pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
As an ITU member, GEF will influence the development of ITU standards for multimedia and the quality of gaming experience, work led by ITU-T Study Group (Multimedia) and ITU-T Study Group 12 (Performance, quality of service and quality of experience).
GEF has also highlighted its intention to propose new ITU standardization studies addressing the relationship between esports and ICT advances in fields such as AI, Big Data, 5G and IoT.
“Our world is highly diverse, but sport has extraordinary power to unite us,” said Chaesub Lee, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Bureau. “Just as each team player makes a unique contribution to their team, the inclusive dialogue led by ITU and GEF will help new partners to build a common understanding of how they could each play to their strengths to make complementary contributions to the growth of the esports ecosystem.”
***
About the Global Esports Federation (GEF):
The Global Esports Federation promotes the credibility, legitimacy and prestige of esports. It convenes athletes, players and industry leaders together on one inclusive platform. With a mission to cultivate competition along with developing community and connection between esports, mainstream sport and active esports, GEF cultivates the authentic voice for the worldwide esports movement #worldconnected
About the International Telecommunication Union (ITU):
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the specialized United Nations agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs), driving innovation in ICTs together with 193 Member States and a membership of over 900 companies, universities, and international and regional organizations. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. For more information, visit www.itu.int
17 June 2020
The Global Esports Federation reached another milestone with the signing of a Cooperative Agreement with Organización Deportiva Suramericana (ODESUR), forming a strategic partnership to develop a South American Esports strategy as a catalyst for social benefit and change. The latest agreement comes after an agreement reached with the Commonwealth Games Federation to jointly develop a Commonwealth Esports strategy.
The Global Esports Federation enters agreement with ODESUR to spearhead South American Esports Strategy
The initial phase of this agreement will focus on:
“Esports has quickly risen in popularity and gained strong footing in South America, in both spectatorship and participation. Nevertheless, there are still enormous growth opportunities compared to other regions in the world,” said Camilo Pérez López Moreira, President, Organización Deportiva Suramericana (ODESUR). “South America is consolidating as a huge market for the development of esports within the 15-member NOCs of ODESUR. The Executive Board of ODESUR approved the partnership with the Global Esports Federation as it will strengthen our coordinated effort in developing necessary infrastructure and commerce to accelerate the growth of esports in South America.”
Chris Chan, President, Global Esports Federation said, “The strategic partnership with ODESUR expands our global footprint into a key region where esports is poised for rapid growth. We look forward to jointly develop a sustainable esports strategy that will convene and service the vibrant esports community in South America that boasts 228 million users in 2020. This latest agreement supports our mission and strengthens our effort in fostering great collaborations globally to elevate esports on the sport and entertainment world stage.”
Launched on December 16, 2019, in Singapore, the Global Esports Federation proudly draws on a diverse range of experience and expertise from the world of esports and the sporting community to help develop the credibility, legitimacy and prestige of esports in society. Tencent, one of the world’s leading technology companies, is the Founding Global Partner of the GEF. The Federation was founded to further elevate the future of esports, bringing the global community together through a #worldconnected.
Federation confirms global partner to pioneer active esports worldwide, encouraging world’s
youth participation.
16 June 2020
In a move that spotlights the developing power and potential between esports and sport, the Global Esports Federation today confirms leading International Federations, World Taekwondo and International Tennis Federation, as members. The GEF also appoints technology innovation company, Refract as Global Partner for Interactive Technology to pioneer active esports worldwide.
World Taekwondo and International Tennis Federation confirm membership with the Global Esports Federation,
Refract appointed as Global Partner to pioneer active esports worldwide
“The Global Esports Federation was established to convene the global esports community and celebrate esports. We have experienced an incredible acceleration in our engagement with the world’s International Federations during this unprecedented time,” said Chris Chan, President, Global Esports Federation. “The state of play for sport is progressing rapidly. We are set to support the International Federations in joining the world’s publishers, developers and the entire esports community in developing new platforms to evolve a real sport experience in this digital age.”
The GEF is committed to pioneer the development of sport-based esports or active esports, in addition to growing traditional esports. This aspect of esports showcases physical movement powered by technology, with virtual and augmented reality. It simulates real sport practice and promotes competition based on the universal principles of inclusivity, gender equality and fair play.
“Participation from the International Federations cements the Global Esports Federation’s commitment in developing digital properties in active esports. The undeniable power of sport elevated with technology can bring youth to sport and sport to youth. We are building a community where we connect and learn together – particularly with Millennials, Generation Z and Generation Alpha, by proactively reaching out and engaging with them to use esports as a catalyst for all kinds of social connection,” said Paul J. Foster, Chief Operating Officer, Global Esports Federation.
Dr. Chungwon Choue, President, World Taekwondo, said, “We are thrilled to be an active member for the development of active esports. Now more than ever, we need to embrace technological advancement and promote healthy and active lifestyles around the world.”
“Esports brings the worlds of virtual and physical action together to create an all-new and exciting way to consume, interact and engage with sports. Esports present a myriad of opportunities for innovation and growth. The International Tennis Federation is keen to play an active part in global development as a Global Esports Federation member,” said Kelly Fairweather, COO, International Tennis Federation.
Refract, the newly appointed Global Partner for Interactive Technology, meanwhile, creates opportunities through gaming and entertainment to extend human experience beyond reality. The company conceptualizes and builds products to support and pioneer active gaming and active esports.
“Refract believes the gap of physical activity between video games and traditional sports can be bridged by technology. We are developing technologies for a future where playing video games and being physically active are not mutually exclusive,” said Michael Chng, Chief Executive Officer, Refract Technologies Pte Ltd.
Launched on December 16, 2019, in Singapore, the Global Esports Federation proudly draws on a diverse range of experience and expertise from the world of esports and the sporting community to help develop the credibility, legitimacy and prestige of esports in society. Tencent, one of the world’s leading technology companies, is the Founding Global Partner of the GEF. The Federation was founded to further elevate the future of esports, bringing the global community together through a #worldconnected.
Federation taps powerhouse Commission to drive key parts of theorganization, positioning
esports as truly global.
2 June 2020
The Global Esports Federation confirms the composition of the Brand, Marketing, Commercial and Communication Commission, to create opportunities within the community and propel esports to the forefront of global events and entertainment.
Chris Chan, President, Global Esports Federation, said, “Esports has emerged into the mainstream in recent years, evolving to hit the mainstage of entertainment globally. The whole of the Global Esports Federation and the global esports community are optimistic about its continued growth and expansion. We are excited to share our progress and new developments in esports.”
The Commission will be led by senior Italian football executive and GEF Board member Lorenzo Giorgetti. Throughout the year, the GEF celebrates the universality of global esports through the staging of regional, continental and international events.
Giorgetti is Chief Commercial Officer at one of the world’s most successful football clubs, A.C. Milan. Educated in engineering and with an illustrious career in business, Giorgetti will bring discipline and experience to the Commission’s detailed and vital work.
“The Global Esports Federation convenes the stakeholders in the world’s dynamic esports community from different backgrounds, geographies and business models,” Giorgetti said. “I look forward to engaging with the world’s commercial brands – established and those emerging – and the market at large to bring tremendous value to the GEF and our worldwide properties.”
The Brand, Marketing, Commercial & Communications Commission will drive key priorities in elevating esports globally – to convene an evolving industry, cultivate commercial opportunities and build revenues by driving strategic brand initiatives and partnerships. It is supported by a team of professionals that includes:
Jerry Ling, Chief of Staff, World Taekwondo.
Chris Overholt, President and CEO, OverActive Media Group.
Peter Zeytoonjian, Senior Vice President, United States Olympic and Paralympic Properties.
Yasuhiro Nakamori, Director, Sport Department, Japanese Olympic Committee.
Marco Nazzari, Managing Director, International, Nielsen Sports.
Launched on December 16, 2019, in Singapore, the Global Esports Federation proudly draws on a diverse range of experience and expertise from the world of esports and the sporting community to help develop the credibility, legitimacy and prestige of esports in society. Tencent, one of the world’s leading technology companies, is the Founding Global Partner of the GEF. The Federation was founded to further elevate the future of esports, bringing the global community together through a #worldconnected.
4 May 2020
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has agreed an exploratory partnership with the Global Esports Federation (GEF) that aims to develop a Commonwealth Esports strategy.
The partnership will see the CGF and GEF work together on specific areas aligned to Transformation 2022 – the Commonwealth Sport Movement's Strategic Plan.
The partnership will initially focus on:
• Conducting an analysis of the status of Esports in the Commonwealth and its capacity to support and advance our vision and mission through the joint development of a values-based Commonwealth Esports strategy;
• Exploring and developing athlete-centred, sport-focused initiatives and campaigns that harness and elevate the principles of Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, Integrity and Innovation, among others, in Esports across the Commonwealth; and
• Exploring the development of sustainable Esports properties (competitions and development initiatives) that could benefit CGAs and the wider Commonwealth through partnerships and promotional opportunities that connect and serve athletes, citizens and communities.
CGF President Dame Louise Martin said: “In recent years, we have seen the dramatic rise of Esports in terms of popularity and participation, particularly the participation of young people.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in Esports globally has continued to increase significantly which demonstrates an important characteristic of connecting people during a difficult period.
“For some time now, the CGF has been looking for a way to formally engage with Esports, to explore how it can align with the Commonwealth Sports Movement and its support of the sustainable development of digital infrastructure, connectivity and commerce across the Commonwealth.
“In the Global Esports Federation, we know we have the right partner to help us undertake this exciting piece of work.”
GEF President Chris Chan said: “We are honoured to embark on this strategic partnership and support the Commonwealth Games Federation. This partnership further strengthens the Global Esports Federation’s mission of convening the world’s Esports ecosystem.”
“The GEF Board and I look forward to working together with Dame Louise Martin and the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement. We congratulate the CGF for the work they do every day, developing sports across the 71 Commonwealth nations and territories, and beyond.”
“This partnership allows us to develop a pathway together for an inclusive, progressive, and visionary future for the youth and the entire Commonwealth – North to South, East to West – reaching across a third of the world’s population.
“The future of Esports continues to be bright, and we look forward to developing great collaborations across the world; elevating Esports based on the traditions and values of sport and the principle of harnessing technology for good.”
Esports and the Commonwealth
• 65% of the Commonwealth’s 2 billion citizens are under the age of 30
• Data suggests that 16-24-year-olds are more likely to watch esports tournaments (32%) to traditional sports tournaments (31%) with 44% watching live streams of video games
• 89% of adults in the Commonwealth have a mobile connection today and just under half of them are using data services
• Among adults in the Commonwealth who access the internet, 82% access it on mobile devices
• By 2022 almost everyone online in the Commonwealth will have a smartphone and access to sufficient bandwidth to stream video
• Individual media consumption across all form of media has increased from 7 hours to 8 hours per individual per day
About the CGF
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is the organisation that is responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games, and for delivering on the vision of the Commonwealth Sports Movement: to build peaceful, sustainable and prosperous communities globally by inspiring Commonwealth Athletes to drive the impact and ambition of all Commonwealth Citizens through Sport.
About the GEF
The Global Esports Federation (GEF) was born from a vision to convene the world’s esports ecosystem. The GEF seeks to establish the credibility, legitimacy, and prestige for esports, building an inclusive platform to maximise the potential for esports and its participants. The GEF Board and its related Commissions bring together diverse leaders from esports, gaming, world sporting organisations, athletes, entrepreneurs – together with technologists, educators, and professional experts – elevating the understanding and awareness of esports and to enhance the esports experience.
With a vision to cultivate collaboration, forge synergies, strengthen, develop, and grow the interface between the traditional esports and active esports communities, the GEF establishes the voice and world authority for the worldwide esports movement. The future of esports continues to be bright and the GEF seeks to support this by cultivating the knowledge, experiences, and history of the industry combined with respecting the traditions and values of sport and the principles of utilising technology for good.
Tencent, one of the world’s leading technology companies, is the Founding Global Partner of the GEF.
28 April 2020 - Commission gives direct voice to athletes and players, inaugural meeting held today.
The Global Esports Federation (GEF) today confirms the initial composition of the GEF Athletes and Players Commission to focus on the inclusion, fair play, education and the holistic development of career pathways for athletes and players; in line with GEF’s mission to convene the world’s esports ecosystem through a #worldconnected.
The Commission is chaired by Charmaine Crooks, C.M, OLY, Vice President of the GEF, five-time Olympian and winner of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Women in Sports Trophy. In addition to serving as a Board Member of the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Soccer Association, Charmaine is a highly sought-after strategist and speaker, founding member of the IOC’s Ethics Commission, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Foundation Board, former member of the IOC Athletes Commission, and Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games Board. She leads the Commission with professional gamer, esports athlete and entrepreneur, Koen Schobbers from the Netherlands, serving as the Vice Chair of the Commission.
“I am thrilled to bring my experiences as an Olympian, administrator, and entrepreneur with a deep passion for sport and technology – together with Koen, we will advise the GEF Board and help shape the organisation, convening this incredibly inclusive community, and uplift the lives of so many through the Global Esports Federation development platforms and #worldconnected outreach,” said Charmaine Crooks, Chair, Athletes and Players Commission, Global Esports Federation.
The Athletes and Players Commission will advise the GEF Board on matters relating to representation of international esports athletes, focusing on championing the role of athletes and facilitating the players community engagement with the GEF. The Commission will also oversee the staging of a global platform to convene athletes and players through various sharing and learning platforms, esports competitions and tournaments. The Commission comprises an equal representation of gender, generation, and vocations, providing a diverse range of skills, experiences, and competencies; further demonstrating GEF’s emphasis on inclusion and diversity.
“I’m honoured and excited to work with Charmaine Crooks and the whole #worldconnected team at the Global Esports Federation. Esports is the sport of the modern era – it’s our time. Our initial group of athletes and players will pave the way for more to join. We have to take proper care of our community and keep improving the wellbeing of the athletes and to empower them to keep levelling-up their game, because without athletes, there is no esports,” said Koen Schobbers, Vice Chair, Athletes and Players Commission, Global Esports Federation.
Left: Koen Schobbers, and Right: Aerial Powers
The Athletes and Players Commission is supported by a series of members from various vocations in esports and sports, including US-based Melita N. Moore, M.D., Sports Medicine/eSports Medicine Physician and International Speaker @levelupdoctor; Ukrainian professional tennis player, Sergei Bubka; and global influencer in esports, WNBA star of the Washington Mystics, and brand ambassador for Health-e-Gamer, Geekletes and eFuse, Aerial Powers.
“My life is not one thing or another. I am a WNBA athlete; I am a gamer; and I love the competition and the community. I’m ecstatic to join Global Esports Federation and the A&P Commission to power a stronger #worldconnected", said Aerial Powers, Member of Athletes and Players Commission, Global Esports Federation.
The Athletes and Players Commission is further supported by Singapore-based Tan Wearn Haw, Advisor to the Commission and Director at Singapore National Youth Sports Institute, and leader at Female Esports League (FSL), Tammy Tang as Commission Administrator.
Launched on 16 December 2019 in Singapore, the Global Esports Federation proudly draws on the diverse range of experience and expertise from the world of esports and the sporting community, to help develop the credibility, legitimacy, and prestige of esports in society. Tencent, one of the world’s leading technology companies, is the Founding Global Partner of the GEF. The Federation was founded to further elevate the future of esports, bringing the global community together through a #worldconnected.