Announced last week, the International Esports Federation (IeSF) has added Germany and Mexico to its member list. The German Esports Federation (ESBD) and Mexico Esports National Federation (FNDEM) will now help the organization to further promote esports as an official sport.
Member list keeps growing
Starting out with nine members in 2008, the IeSF has expanded to 48. The organization aims to set the standards for referees, players, certifications, titles, and competitions, increasing the level of integrity in the industry. Having Germany and Mexico join shows a mutual effort for the ongoing improvement of the professional esports community.
ESBD (eSport-Bund Deutschland e.V.), which was founded last November, is a mixed group that includes pro teams, amateur clubs, and event organizers. Including major esports industry players like ESL and the German Games Industry Association as members, the organization introduces itself as the representative of organized esports in Germany.
“We are delighted to be part of international esports represented in the IESF,” said ESBD President Hans Jagnow. “In light of common challenges of the international esports community, for example the Olympic debate, we value the opportunity to find ourselves side to side with esports representatives from all over the world.”
Jagnow will also represent ESBD at the upcoming Esports Forum organized by the International Olympic Committee. The event should create stronger ties between the esports industry and the Olympic Movement.
“Esports is developing rapidly on a global level,” said ESLGaming Director Team and Federation Relations Jan Pommer. “Esports federations will play an important role in the future structural developments of this ecosystem. This is why we are pleased to align with IESF in this respect.”
Mexico comes on board
FNDEM (Federación Nacional de Deportes Electrónicos), the representative of Mexico’s esports industry, also joined IeSF’s effort. The news follows an earlier initiative worth nothing. The organization joined forces with the Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA), forming a Memorandum of Understanding. The two entities agreed to share and exchange know-how and resources in order to further promote esports.
“It is an extreme honor to know that IESF has accepted Mexico,” said FNDEM President Woong Lee. “The FNDEM will promise to abide by the laws of IESF and always contribute to maintain a fair and competitive environment of electronic sports.”
IeSF has been very active in not only member acquisition but also in forging strategic partnerships to boost esports’ global profile.
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