Global Esports Federation welcomes 2025 – Year of Development

GEF Board and General Assembly spotlight 2024’s innovations and unveil global opportunities, paving the way for the future of the #worldconnected community

At the year-end Board Meeting and 5th General Assembly yesterday, the Global Esports Federation reflected on its achievements and set the groundwork for 2025 – a Year of Development. The GEF has expanded partnerships and its global footprint, catalyzing the growth of esports as a dynamic and unifying global movement.

KEY MILESTONES FROM 2024

GEF 14th Board Meeting and 5th General Assembly

On 10 December 2024, GEF President Chris Chan convened the GEF 14th Board Meeting and 5th General Assembly, reaffirming its mission to shape the credibility, legitimacy, and prestige of esports and uniting communities worldwide. GEF’s Divisional Executives briefed the community and underscored GEF’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continued progress.

Global Growth

The GEF welcomed over 25 new Member Federations in 2024, increasing its global membership to 178 Member Federations. This milestone reaffirms the GEF’s mission to connect esports communities and drive positive impact worldwide.

Expanding the Global Esports Tour

More than 6,000 people filled the Maracanãzinho at the Global Esports Tour in Rio de Janeiro – over 6.1 million people watched a combined 2.5 million hours of the tournament on YouTube and Twitch community streams across the globe

Season 4 of the Global Esports Tour (GET) highlighted the first stage in Rio de Janeiro, thrilling fans as eight of the world’s best Counter-Strike 2 teams competed at the Maracanãzinho. Season 5 of GET in 2025 promises even greater excitement as the tour heads to new vibrant global destinations, including India, Italy, North America, Peru, Brazil, and Türkiye. These international destinations highlight GEF’s commitment to reaching new, diverse audiences worldwide.

Strengthening Partnerships and Advancing Social Impact

The GEF looks forward to supporting the landmark Olympic Esports Games under the leadership of Ser Miang Ng, Member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Chair of the Olympic Esports Games Steering Committee.

GEF further showcased its commitment to social impact in launching the Global Social Impact Initiative during UNESCO’s “Change the Game” Sport Conference ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, uniting leaders from technology, sports, and community sectors to drive meaningful change.

LOOKING AHEAD: 2025 – THE YEAR OF DEVELOPMENT

Paul J. Foster, GEF CEO, speaking at the United Nations Summit of the Future 2024

“These first five years have been foundational for the Global Esports Federation,” said GEF CEO, Paul J. Foster at the GEF 5th General Assembly.

“As we close out 2024, we reflect on our progress in building connections, expanding our global reach, and igniting innovation across esports. In 2025, we will build on this foundation, driving development and enabling even greater unity within the global #worldconnected community.”

As GEF turns its focus to 2025 – The Year of Development, it is poised to advance esports to new heights, uniting diverse communities and delivering unparalleled experiences that transcend borders.