World’s First eSport Association Announced
Aims to Regulate and Professionalize eSports Tournaments
For the first time in eSports history, professional eSports teams and tournament organizer Electronic Sports League (ESL) announced the World Esports Association, or WESA, an organization aiming to act as a governing body for eSports tournaments.
Announced in London last Friday, WESA’s goal is to “introduce elements of player representation, standardized regulations, and revenue sharing for teams,” as well as creating a “predictable schedule for fans, players, organizers and broadcasters.” In honor of the organization’s foundation, ESL announced that their Pro League for “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” will be the first competition that will be under WESA regulations.
WESA’s main focal point is the creation of what they call a “Player Council.” Quoted from their Reddit “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) thread, “This player-elected Council will be the link between the players and the WESA executive board, and - on behalf of all players - will have a say in decisions the organization makes.”
According to WESA’s website, the organization was the result of a year-long negotiation between organizers such as ESL and professional eSports teams. Aside from ESL, eight professional eSports teams became part of the founding groups: Fnatic, Natus Vincere, EnVyUs, Virtus.pro, G2 Esports, FaZe, Mousesports, and Ninjas in Pyjamas. WESA is reportedly in talks with other teams who may be interested in joining and “will remain proactive in searching for teams to join.”
