IESF Announces Speakers for First Day of World Esports Summit

The International Esports Federation (IESF) announced the featured expert speakers for the first day of the World Esports Summit, scheduled to take place from September 29 to October 2 at the Busan Esports Arena. IESF recently debuted a new visual identity and branding for the hybrid event that continues to unite the World Esports Family.

The WE Summit is supported by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Busan Metropolitan City and Busan IT Industry Promotion Agency. IESF has hosted the event every year since 2016 and is consistently advancing to best serve its members and as an exchange platform for key Esports stakeholders from around the world to promote discussion, evolution, and good governance.

Session 1: Spotlight on Asia’s Success Factors

The first panel will examine Asia’s Esports experience, identify key Asian success factors and determine considerations that could be emulated in other markets for accelerated Esports growth. Korea Esports Association International Relations Specialist Hyucksoo David Shin will serve as the moderator.

Panel Discussion:

Samart Benjamin Assarasakorn – Chief Executive Secretary, Thailand Esports Federation

H.R.H. Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud – President, Saudi Esports Federation

Hung Do Viet – General Secretary, Vietnam Recreational and Electronic Sport Association

Vlad Marinescu – President, International Esports Federation

Session 2: Streamlining Cooperation for Successful Competition

This panel is set to bring together athletes, publishers and other relevant Esports competition stakeholders to develop synergies, foster cooperation, and improve communications for a brighter Esports future, and will be moderated by EA Sports Senior Program Manager Byungho Kang.

Panel Discussion:

Tiffani Lim – Athletes Committee Chairperson, International Esports Federation

Paul Kim – Esports Business Development & KR Esports Lead, KRAFTON

Tiago Fernandes – Operations Director, GIRLGAMER Esports Festival

Session 3: The Unsung Heroes of Esports

The Unsung Heroes of Esports panel will shine a light on and tell the stories of the people behind the scenes that provide support systems for Esports leagues and competitions worldwide. Advance Learning Partnership Consultant Nesli Kolasinli will moderate the panel.

Panel Discussion:

Wolf Schröder – Esports Commentator, LCK

Verta Maloney – Chief Innovation Officer & Co-founder, the*gameHERs

Joanie Kraut – CEO, Women in Games International

Bora Hercicek – Competition Manager, University Esports Turkey

Session 4: Driving Growth Through Derivative Content

This panel will explore the expanding world of derivative Esports content and will include sharing success stories, evaluating trends and discussing opportunities for new and undiscovered markets, moderated by Women in Games Ambassador Lucy Chow.

Panel Discussion:

Baki Can Kadıoglu – General Manager, Futbolist LLC

Pelle Karlsson – Commercial Leader APAC, Nielsen Sports

Donald Yeo – Account Director, Esports, Octagon Singapore IPG DXTRA

Serhat Bekdemir – Country Manager Turkey, Amazon University Esports

Video highlights from the WE Summit will be available on IESF’s YouTube channel. Several featured panels and Q&A sessions will also be live streamed on YouTube.