Tuesday 31 March 2020

IESF SIGNS AN OFFICIAL MOU WITH AESF

Colin Webster (President of IESF) signing the MOU with AESF.
The world of esports governance has reached a significant milestone with a landmark agreement between the International Esports Federation (IESF) and the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF).
On 31st March 2020, the IESF President Mr. Colin Webster and the AESF President Mr. Kenneth Fok both signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to form a formal collaborative relationship to promote and advance esports globally as well as across the Asian continent. Under this MOU, the IESF recognizes and acknowledges the AESF as the sole federation for esports in Asia. The AESF recognizes and acknowledges the IESF as the sole international federation for esports.
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the signing ceremony was conducted remotely and digitally in the home nations of all signatories of this important partnership, including Hong Kong, Johannesburg, and Abu Dhabi, as well as messages from other parts of the World.

This is a significant step for Asian esports that will also have an impact globally. It is expected that other continental federations will also be part of this alliance working collectively in the interests of esports, the safeguarding and protection of players being a top priority. This MOU unites in one umbrella all Member Associations and Federations, thereby confirming a clear and transparent structure of esports globally.

COLIN WEBSTER, PRESIDENT OF IESF

“The MOU between the IESF and the AESF further reinforces IESF’s position as the only true international federation for esports. The IESF was founded in 2008 and today is the largest international federation of its kind and is acknowledged to be the leader in its field. The MOU thus solidifies the IESF’s position, as well as that of the AESF. Together, the two federations will ensure a greater degree of delivery and expertise, as well as ensuring the development and recognition of esports as a sport.”

KENNETH FOK, PRESIDENT OF AESF

“I am sure that the partnership today is strong enough to unite the esports community, including publishers, organisations, and most importantly our esports players. It is also groundbreaking as it paves the way for better collaboration and cooperation between the International Esports Federation, IESF and the Asian Electronic Sports Federation, AESF. This is an exciting day for us and we look forward to new initiatives from this partnership. Lastly, I like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved.”

HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH SULTAN BIN KHALIFA AL NAHYAN, EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER OF IESF

“Esports is becoming ever more prominent in mainstream culture, the need for relevant governance structures, education programs and development pathways to support the growth globally is essential to ensure the welfare and integrity of all that participate, fostering healthy and positive behaviors. The spirit of the games must be first and foremost.
The closer relationship between both the IESF and AESF will provide the credibility and legitimacy of these activities, and we encourage other continental federations to be part of this growing family.”

VLAD MARINESCU, VICE PRESIDENT OF IESF

“Today marks a significant and momentous milestone in the evolution and development of esports. The unity between the IESF and the AESF will reinforce the foundation of the Asian Continent – from the national associations to all stakeholders, including athletes, publishers and event organizers. Moreover, it will send the message globally that esports is united, and united we can, with respect and inclusion, further develop for the benefit of the people playing. I’m honored to formally join forces with Mr. Fok, Mr. Lau and the AESF team, people who share our passion and professionalism. Great things are coming.”

SEBASTIAN LAU, DIRECTOR GENERAL OF AESF

“This partnership with the IESF is a key milestone as part of our strategic master plan to develop and support the growth of esports globally. Working together with all members, publishers, athletes, and stakeholders, we have a strong belief that it has to be sustainable and should be able to create a sound ecosystem where our esports community can grow collectively. I truly believe that with the help from our partners at IESF who share the same vision, these goals are absolutely within our reach.”
International Esports Federation (IESF) is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 that consistently works to promote esports as a true sport beyond barriers. IESF is composed of more than 60 member national federations across all continents, organizes annual World Championships and strives to ensure the synergy between stakeholders. Its esports academy strives to improve the level of academic research and also professional development of officials in the industry. IESF is a WADA Signatory since 2013. Key IESF activities include the IESF World Championships, the IESF General Assembly uniting all National Federations and the Global Esports Executive Summits.
Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) is the sole governing body of esports in the Asian region and is also recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). Following the implementation of the esports Demonstration Games at the 2017 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Turkmenistan, the AESF successfully staged esports at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta which saw six titles contested and having esports athletes accorded equal stature to their traditional sports counterparts. Also, the AESF, at the 2019 Southeast Games in Manila, brought esports to fans and media as an official medal sport event for the first time in its history and will again be responsible for showcasing esports at the 2021 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Thailand as an official medal event. The AESF has launched its own competition, the ‘AESF e-Masters’ series in January 2020 and will soon introduce the ‘AESF University Championship’ and ‘AESF Amateur League’ for the esports fans and players in Asia.
Also read:

Monday 30 March 2020

Four new nations join IESF

The national flags of the four new members.
Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA), the world's oldest national federation for esports, has been a member of International Esports Federation (IESF) since 2009.

International Esports Federation (IESF) itself was founded in 2008 and is the international federation for esports. IESF is the largest unifying body for Esports worldwide and has a significant impact on Esports unity and governance. IESF’s continued growth is largely thanks to the organization’s ability to deliver benefit to its members, provide a continuous and sustainable World Championships events, and host its Global Esports Executive Summit (GEES).


IESF has thus announced that four (4) new nations have  affiliated to IESF, being:
  • Colombia via FEDERACION COLOMBIANA DE DEPORTES ELECTRONICOS - FEDECOLDE
  • Kazakhstan via Qazaq Cybersport Federation (QCF)
  • Turkey via Turkish Esports Federation (TESFED)
  • Ukraine via FEDERATION OF E-SPORT OF UKRAINE (UESF)
FEDECOLDE, representing Colombia, stated: ‘For Colombia and for our region, achieving this membership is a giant step to demonstrate our skills and commitment to Esports. We are a country with enormous discipline and players who will give their all in the next 2020 IESF Esports World Championship, Eilat, Israel. ‘

QCF, representing Kazakhstan, stated: “We are very grateful for becoming a new member of IESF and appreciate the time that Board and Secretariat spent processing our request. We hope that this is the beginning of our long and successful partnership. We will do our best to make it so.”

TESFED, representing Turkey, stated “Esports is a sports branch that has attracted attention in recent years with its rapid development in the world, and it is a shining star with its dynamic and open to fast growth structure. Today we are honored that TESFED is accepted to be a member of IESF. We firmly believe that we will undertake successful works to improve Esports in cooperation with IESF and other federations.”

USEF, representing Ukraine, stated, “We are proud to become a member of the International Esports Federation and are going to take an active part in the life of the organization, helping to develop what is best for worldwide esports. The joined forces of UESF and Esports Ukraine under one largest country-wide name is a great example for all split federations. We did our best to form a strong organization with a large event, technical, and educational backgrounds. We’re very open to sharing with all members of IESF. Collaboration is a way to success!”

IESF President, Colin Webster, stated, " The continued growth of membership is testament to the growth of esports, and the belief that esports has come of age and should take its place among the other sporting codes".

Sunday 29 March 2020

Sahil Ebrahim earns Western Cape Online Championship Sportsmanship Award.

Sahil Ebrahim (PES Society) demonstrates all the true virtues MSSA looks for in an athlete.
At the end of every Mind Sports South Africa's championships the most deserving player is awarded the sportsmanship award. At the end of the year, the Selectors then choose from those who have earned such awards the player most deserving of the title of Sportsman of the year.

The award has been made every year since 1987.

Sahil Ebrahim (PES Society) proved himself beyond any measure of doubt to be the most deserving of the award for MSSA's 1st Western Cape Online Championships. Sahil demonstrates all the true virtues of a sportsperson and would be a credit to any sport - not just esports!


The full list of MSSA's award winners are:


YEARDORIAN LOVE AWARD – SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
2019Christiaan BotesHelpmekaar Kollege
2018Saudah BhaimiaCurro Klerksdorp
2017Alasdair DonaldsonVexxedPhoenix
2016Adele ‘Nitebabe’ Janse van RensburgVexxedPhoenix
2015Jessie JoubertRondebosch Boys
2014Ion ToddKnights Mind Sports Club
2013Kyle RhoodieKnights Mind Sports Club
2012Wouter SmitHFW
2011Baber AbbasTekken Guru
2010Gregory LaycockPretoria Boys High School
2009Dominic AphaneWITS
2008Tim CruisePeninsula Wargames Group
2007Ramsey LouwPaul Roos Gimnasium
2006Greg PullinPeninsula Wargames Group
2005Alexis RoodtPretoria Boys High School
2004Ingo HaferungOld Edwardian Wargames Club
2003Nicholas ClareOld Edwardian Wargames Club
2002Michael KarstensPeninsula Wargames Group
2001David DavidsonPeninsula Wargames Group
2000David DavidsonPeninsula Wargames Group
1999Bobby StathoussisJeppe Quondam
1998Ben FouchePretoria Wargames Club
1997Jabulane MazibukoGauteng Draughts Association
1996Garth SchoemanJeppe Quondam
1995David SmithOld Edwardian Wargames Club
1994Richard PullinPeninsula Wargames Group
1993Dickon JayesOld Edwardian Wargames Club
1992David KitkatEastern Province Wargames Group
1991Derek MurrellNorthcliff Wargames Club
1990Shawn ComrieEastern Province Wargames Group
1989Craig NevinPeninsula Wargames Group
1988Stuart RosenbergOld Edwardian Wargames Club
1987Steven MeskinWITS


Also read:

Rafeeq Cariem dominates the PES 2020 rankings.

With his victory at MSSA's Western Cape Championships, Rafeeq Cariem (PES Society) has made himself the man to beat.
With the completion of Mind Sports South Africa's 1st Western Cape Online Championships on 29 March 2020, there has been a major change to MSSA's national rankings for the PES 2020 efootball esports title.

PES Society esports club occupies the top 5 positions of the rankings.

Club member Rafeeq Cariem, through exceptional play, has shot through from being unranked to take the lead. It is a commanding lead and puts Rafeeq in the pole position in all South African Championships for the PES 2020 efootball esports title until he is dislodged by the fierce competition which will surely follow.

Certainly it will be interesting to see how well Rafeeq performs in MSSA's 11th Online Championships to be held on 18 April 2020 where he will be able to face off against esports athletes from around the country and not just in the Western Cape.


The rankings are as follows:


PosName of Player#ClubPoints
1Rafeeq Cariem20PES Society142.8
2Thando Siyengo20PES Society124.5
3Wade Apollis20PES Society119.2
4Riezwaan Hakim20PES Society118.4
5Kurt Freeman20PES Society117
6Lesego Motlasi18Fakkel School of Skills116.5
7Denver Abdullah18North School116.5
8Raygen Abdullah18North School116.5
9Morena Velapho18Fakkel School of Skills116.5
10Zuko Nomaqhiza18Curro Klerksdorp116.5
11Thokozane Mntimane18Fakkel School of Skills116.5
12Leonard Loftus18Masters of Mind Sports116.5
13Khahliso Malape18Fakkel School of Skills116.5
14Katleho Mofokeng18North West University - Vaal116.5
15Jodie-Ray Nelson18Empangeni High School116.5
16Gordon McCormack18JCS Academy116.5
17Hakeem Choonara18Northcliff High School116.5
18Lita Sotomela18North West University - Vaal115.9
19Lefa Lekhula18Fakkel School of Skills115.9
20Joost Loftus18Masters of Mind Sports114.9
21Jason van der Walt18JCS Academy112.9
22Lesego Molotsi18Fakkel School of Skills110
23Henry Colin18Fakkel School of Skills109.5
24Sahil Ebrahim20PES Society108.3
25Unathi Nzimande18Empangeni High School105
26Ru-Landie Kilian18Affies Sasolburg105
27Delmari van der Walt18JCS Academy101.3
28Abdul Kabir Govender20PES Society96.3
29Junior Mpembe18Fakkel School of Skills95
30Irfaan Sabat18Empangeni High School95
31Aiden Hodgkinson18JCS Academy95
32Dylan Vos20PES Society92.7


Also read: