Global Esports Federation Strengthens Global Governance and Sets Vision as the Year of Connection

Outcomes from the 17^th GEF Board Meeting and 6^th General Assembly reaffirm leadership continuity, expand global representation, and set a defining course for esports ahead of landmark global moments

The Global Esports Federation (GEF) concluded its 17^th Board Meeting and 6^th General Assembly with decisive outcomes that reinforce leadership continuity, strengthen global representation, and set a clear strategic direction for the future of esports, as GEF formally designates 2026 as the Year of Connection.

During the General Assembly, GEF Member Federations reaffirmed their confidence in the organization’s leadership through the re-election of four current Board Members for an additional four-year term:

• Chester King (United Kingdom), GEF Vice President

• T.A. Ganda Sithole (Zimbabwe), GEF Vice President

• Lorenzo Giorgetti (Italy), GEF Board Member

• Hideki Hayakawa (Japan), GEF Board Member

In parallel, the General Assembly elected four new Board Members, further strengthening continental representation and cross-sector expertise across global sport and esports:

• Americas: Leo Fontes (Brazil), GEF Board Member

• Asia: Jay Lee (South Korea), GEF Board Member

• Oceania: Steve Loader (Australia), GEF Board Member

• Africa: Ronny Lusigi (Kenya), GEF Board Member

These appointments underscore GEF’s commitment to inclusive governance, diverse leadership, and collaboration across regions and disciplines, reflecting the continued evolution of esports as a global cultural and sporting force.

The Board and Member Federations also aligned around a shared strategic outlook for the years ahead, anchored by the announcement of 2026 as the Year of Connection. The theme reflects GEF’s belief that the sustainable growth of esports depends not only on competition and innovation, but on stronger human, institutional, and cultural connections across the global ecosystem.

As part of its formal resolutions, the General Assembly approved the dates and host cities for GEF’s upcoming flagship events, confirming the GEG25 Finals in Mumbai in February 2026, followed by the Global Esports Games 2026 in Los Angeles in December 2026. Together, the two events mark a pivotal transition toward a new era of global connectivity, spanning Asia, the Americas, and the wider esports ecosystem.

In a reflection written for the Year of Connection, Paul J. Foster, KStJH, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Global Esports Federation, highlighted the resilience and adaptability of the global esports community amid rapid change and increasing global pressures.

“Connection is not simply a theme for 2026 — it is the architecture of our future. It is how we align our values, empower our Member Federations, and bring the world closer together through esports. I have never felt more confident in the direction we are heading, because this community continues to move forward with creativity, courage, and purpose.”

~ Sir Paul J. Foster

Looking ahead, GEF reaffirmed its focus on delivering meaningful pathways for athletes, creators, and Member Federations, while preparing for landmark global moments ahead — including the flagship Global Esports Games in Los Angeles in December 2026, to be staged in one of the world’s most influential creative capitals.

With renewed leadership and a clear sense of purpose, the Global Esports Federation enters its next chapter united around a simple yet powerful ambition: to build a connected, inclusive, and worldconnected future for esports.