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IESF Announces Speakers for First Day of GEES21 on August 31

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The countdown to GEES21 is officially ON! With less than a month to go, IESF is putting the final touches on what promises to be another exciting and productive hybrid live/online event. Set to take place in Busan, South Korea at the Busan Esports Arena on August 31st and September 1st, this year’s Global Esports Executive Summit will once again boast an exciting roster of guest speakers, presenters, and panelists who will be participating from all around the world.

IESF released the list of keynote speakers and panelists for the first day of the production, which covers three (3) of the five (5) core areas titled Fostering Growing Relationships, The Next Level of Esports, and Diversity and Inclusion in Esports.

Agenda 1 : Fostering Growing Relationships
This area will delve into the ways in which the Esports ecosystem and traditional sports industries can find areas of common-ground for crossover, convergence, and co-operation.

Keynote Speaker – Bringing Our Communities Together
– Vlad Marinescu, President, International Esports Federation (IESF)

Panel Discussion – Encouraging Esports and Traditional Sports Crossover
– David Shin, Business Development Manager & Project Manager, Korea e-Sports Association (KeSPA) [Moderator]
– Alex Inglot, Commissioner of ESL Pro League & Player Representative on Board of ATP [Panelist]
– Ravneet Gill, Founder and CEO, New Horizons Alliance  [Panelist]
– Sean Zhang, CEO, Talon Esports [Panelist]
– Rodrigo Quesada, Business Development Director, Cedar Group  [Panelist]

Agenda 2 : The Next Level of Esports
Under this agenda, the keynote session will deliver on the opportunity to contribute to the local youth industry through local Esports team franchising.

The panel discussion will examine the ways in which the Esports industry has adapted to the global COVID-19 situation, and what long-term effects the pandemic will have on the Esports industry.

Keynote Speaker – Leveraging the Esports Advantage
– Pilsung Lee, Co-founder and CEO, Sandbox Network and Sandbox Gaming

Panel Discussion – How COVID-19 has changed Esports Industry
– Ashley Kang, Founder, Korizon Esports[Moderator]
– Madiha Naz, Team Captain, Galaxy Racer Esports (GXR) [Panelist]
– Minseong Kim, Player Manager, New York Excelsior  [Panelist]
– Baro Hyun, Director & Author, Big 4 Consulting Firms  [Panelist]
– Peeyush Kumar, Founder & CEO, Crowd Control Esports  [Panelist]

Agenda 3 : Diversity and Inclusion in Esports
This area will discuss the importance of global expansion, diversifying brand partnerships, and encouraging participation across all borders, cultures, races, religions, and genders as key factors for success.

Keynote Speaker – Empowering Women in Esports
– Jenn Mac, Director of Global Partnerships, Women in Games International (WIGI)

Panel Discussion – Expanding Market and Brand Partners
– Jenn Mac, Director of Global Partnerships, Women in Games International (WIGI) [Moderator]
– Fernando Pereira, Co-Founder, GIRLGAMER Esports Festival  [Panelist]
– Lucy Chow, Ambassador, Women in Games (WIGJ)  [Panelist]
– Donovan Auyong, Senior Business Development Manager – Asia, ESL Gaming  [Panelist]
– Alwin Wong, Head of Business Development & Partnerships, CAPSL Entertainment  [Panelist]

Special Session: The Importance of Esports Associations and Federations
This special session will delve into the important role of Esports associations and federations play in the World Esports family, as they help unify, grow and facilitate programs for communities at all levels.

Speaker
– Ido Brosh, Board Member and Director of Global Programs, International Esports Federation (IESF)

IESF would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of the announced speakers and look forward to welcoming the World Esports Family at GEES21!

About GEES21
GEES21 is set to take place live on August 31st and September 1st at the Busan Esports Arena in Busan, South Korea, and around the world with the hybrid offline/online format. The theme for this year’s summit is “Evolving and Adapting”, and after the success of last year’s event (also hybrid), participants from IESF’s 104 member nations and stakeholders from Esports and Sports are eager to get to work discussing the most pressing Esports issues, and planning for the future of the booming industry.

There are five (5) core areas planned for the two-day event.
– Fostering Growing Relationships
– The Next Level of Esports
– Diversity and Inclusion in Esports
– Integrating Esports into Education
– Understanding the Esports Landscape

Since 2015, GEES has gathered key Esports and sports stakeholders from around the globe to create an environment for discussion, education, and action towards Esports development through conferences, exhibitions, academic lectures, and networking events.

If you would like to participate in GEES21, either live or as an online delegate, you can register for free at gees.iesf.org

GEES21 is supported by Busan Metropolitan City, the Korean Ministry of Sports and Tourism, and the Busan IT Promotion Agency.

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ESFI’s Lokesh Suji Re-Elected as Asian Electronic Sports Federation VP, South Asia, Strengthening India’s Esports Leadership

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In a significant boost for Indian esports, Lokesh Suji has been re-elected unopposed as Vice President for South Asia in the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) during its recent online Electoral General Assembly in Hong Kong for a four-year term. Holding this position since AESF’s inception, Suji’s re-election highlights India’s growing influence in international esports, reinforcing the Esports Federation of India’s (ESFI) role in shaping the region’s competitive gaming landscape.

The AESF Electoral General Assembly, chaired by outgoing President Kenneth Fok, convened representatives from 38 member nations and OCA Deputy Director General Vinod Tiwari. Thailand’s Santi Lothong secured the AESF Presidency with a simple majority, alongside new Vice Presidents for different Asian zones.

“I am deeply grateful for the continued trust placed in me and extend my sincere thanks to Kenneth (Fok) for his leadership and guidance over the years. I also look forward to working closely with Santi (Lothong) for this next phase. This re-election is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the remarkable growth of esports in India and South Asia. Esports in Asia is entering a defining era, and I am committed to ensuring that our players, federations, and stakeholders receive the recognition, opportunities, and platforms they deserve,” said Lokesh Suji, Vice President, South Asia, of AESF and Director of ESFI.

As Asia’s esports governing body, recognised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), AESF has been instrumental in getting esports included in Asian Games and hosting major tournaments like the Asian Esports Games 2018 and the Asian Games 2022, featuring top titles such as Dota 2, Street Fighter 6, and FIFA Online. AESF has also been selected as the Technical Delegate for Esports at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

Commenting on Suji’s re-election, Santi Lothong, the incoming AESF President, said: “Having worked alongside Lokesh for years, I have witnessed his unwavering dedication to developing esports in South Asia and beyond. His leadership, vision, and relentless efforts have helped shape the region’s competitive landscape. I look forward to continuing our collaboration and strengthening esports across Asia under this new leadership phase.”

Kenneth Fok, the outgoing AESF President, added: “Lokesh has been a steadfast pillar in AESF’s journey, always pushing to elevate esports across Asia. His passion and commitment have left a lasting impact, shaping key initiatives and strengthening our community. It’s been a pleasure working alongside him, and I am confident he will continue driving esports forward.”

Under Suji’s leadership, India has made significant strides in esports, with historic medal finishes in the Commonwealth Esports Championship 2022, BRICS Esports Championship and Asian Esports Games and strong performances in the Asian Games 2018 and 2022, where Indian athletes proved their mettle against the world’s best. ESFI is further cementing India’s esports dominance with the WAVES Esports Championship (WESC) —a pioneering initiative that fosters homegrown talent and provides Indian players with an international platform to compete at the highest level. WAVES Esports Championship is one of the ‘Create in India Challenge’ as part of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s marque event ‘World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit’ (WAVES) to be held on 1-4 May 2025, Mumbai.

Recognized by and Member of the International Esports Federation, Asian Esports Federation, and Global Esports Federation, ESFI remains dedicated to strengthening India’s position on the global esports stage.

The post ESFI’s Lokesh Suji Re-Elected as Asian Electronic Sports Federation VP, South Asia, Strengthening India’s Esports Leadership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Thai Deputy PM Defends Entertainment Complex Bill as Shield Against US Trade Move

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Thai Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has defended the Entertainment Complex Bill, set for parliamentary debate on April 9, as a vital economic measure amid rising US tariffs on Thai goods.

While opposition continues inside and outside parliament, Mr Phumtham insisted the bill’s fate should be decided through democratic processes — not protests.

The bill, which includes casino operations within an integrated entertainment complex, aims to generate significant revenue and counter the 36% US tariff hike on Thai goods — far higher than Singapore’s 10%, he said.

Mr Phumtham argued the measure would boost Thailand’s financial resilience and dismissed concerns that it promotes gambling addiction. He said strict entry rules, including age and income restrictions, would help mitigate risk.

“This isn’t about encouraging gambling — it’s about economic survival,” he said.

He urged critics to join the parliamentary debate and cited results from the government’s online public hearing held between Feb 28 and March 14, in which more than 70,000 people participated, with around 80% supporting the bill.

While acknowledging the right to protest, he warned such demonstrations should not be seen as representing the entire nation.

He said public opinion often differs from that of opposition parties and civil groups, stressing the need to respect the democratic process and let parliament decide.

The post Thai Deputy PM Defends Entertainment Complex Bill as Shield Against US Trade Move appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Asian Poker Tour Announces Cancellation of APT Manila 2025

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The Asian Poker Tour has announced the cancellation of APT Manila 2025, which was scheduled to take place from May 30 to June 8, 2025, at the City of Dreams Manila.

The next scheduled APT tour stop following the upcoming APT Taipei 2025—running April 25 to May 4 with a TWD 70M (~USD 2.1M) guaranteed Main Event—will be the APT Incheon 2025; boasting a KRW 2.5M buy-in Main Event with a KRW 1.5B (~USD 1M) guarantee running August 1-10 at the Paradise Hotel & Resort.

This will be followed by the APT Jeju 2025, which boasts a KRW 2.6M buy-in Main Event with a KRW 2.2B (~USD 1.5M) prize pool guarantee and runs from September 26 to October 5 at Jeju Shinhwa World.

The 2025 APT poker schedule will conclude with the thrilling end of year APT Championship (APTC), which runs from November 14-30, 2025 at the Red Point Center’s brand new “Red Space” venue located in central Taipei.

The APTC Main Event boasts a massive TWD 165 million (~USD 5 million) prize pool guarantee – the largest the tour has ever offered.

Players can win their seat to this exciting TWD 350,000 (~USD 10,700) freezeout by competing in the tour’s three signature events—the APT Main Event, the APT High Roller and the APT Super High Roller—at each of the three remaining APT tour stops preceding the APTC.

The post Asian Poker Tour Announces Cancellation of APT Manila 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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