Professional gaming (eSports) has become one of the most lucrative global industries in recent years and its upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing down.
With that in mind, read on as we look at some of the latest developments in the eSports sector, starting with a major leadership change.
IESF Set to Undergo Leadership Transition
The International eSports Federation (IESF) is set to undergo a change with the current president HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud choosing not to seek re-election.
During the upcoming presidential election in Malaysia, former president Vlad Marinescu and current board member Samart Benjamin Assarasakorn will battle for the position.
Marinescu led the IESF between 2020 and 2023, bringing top-level experience to the role. His campaign has led with a message of unity and international recognition.
His CV is extremely impressive. He had a four-year stint as director general of the International Judo Federation, where he established a pedigree in sports diplomacy.
Assarasakorn offers a different corporate and regional eSports management perspective. He is a prominent figure on the IESF board and has held numerous other executive positions. He has promised to transform the IESF into a world-class federation that empowers every member nation.
There will also be a reshuffle of the 14-member board during the election, including New Zealand, Iraq, United States, Namibia, Argentina, India, Malaysia and more.
Countries such as New Zealand are untapped goldmines for eSports. The Kiwi nation not only has a vibrant gaming sector, but also boasts a booming gambling industry.
Wagering on eSports has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and many of the leading betting apps in New Zealand already offer odds on leagues and competitions.
Representation on the ISEF board would be a major development for eSports and betting in New Zealand, and could help the country become a major gaming force.
World Cup 2026 Will Fire eSports to Another Level
Chief operating officer of the eSports World Cup Foundation, Mike McCabe, believes the 2025 edition was a step change in all metrics across the board.
The showpiece featured 25 tournaments for 24 titles across seven weeks at the Boulevard City in Riyadh.
One of the major reasons behind this success was the upgraded infrastructure and the extended preparation time. Organisers had time to test new audience engagement strategies.
They also held an EWC Festival to reach audiences beyond eSports, welcoming celebrities such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Harbour and Post Malone.
The 2026 edition of the EWC, slated for July to August, will be even bigger and better. McCabe says they will take all the best dynamics from this year’s edition and upgrade those experiences.
Intriguingly, Saudi Arabia has also announced an eSports Nations Cup (ENC), which will commence in November 2026.
This nation-based competition will replace the proposed Olympic eSports Games after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ended its partnership with the EWC Foundation.
The IOC remains interested in tapping into eSports, but it prefers sports simulation games, while the EWC wanted to include mainstream titles such as Counter-Strike 2.
EA Sports and NFL Bring Madden to Madrid
EA Sports and the National Football League (NFL) recently announced the Madden NFL 26 International: Madrid Challenge.
The new competition culminates with a final showdown at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
The tournament has been strategically scheduled for November 15 to coincide with the NFL’s first-ever game in Madrid between the Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins.
Combining digital and physical American Football events will bolster international engagement and create new fan experiences.
Players can qualify via the European PlayStation Tournaments in eight countries, with a $10,000 prize pool, and a North American competition via ChallengerMode, which offers $50,000 in prizes.
Winners from both brackets will head to Madrid to compete live and attend the NFL blockbuster clash the following day.
This method of attracting new audiences was successful in Brazil, where the NFL partnered with MadHouse TV, co-owned by the eSports organisation FURIA, to broadcast London games to South American fans.
The Madden Championship Series 26 in Madrid, which has a $1.5 million prize pool, is designed to blend live sports and eSports to create a geographical and cultural bridge.
