The World Esports Association (WESA) has been founded as a collaborative effort between professional eSports teams and eSports League (ESL), the world’s largest eSports company, in an effort to further professionalize eSports.
Announcing the formation the World Esports Association, WESA! More information at: https://t.co/BKH1SEPhqD
— WESA (@WESAofficial) May 13, 2016
WESA is an open, inclusive organization that aims to professionalize eSports through player representation, standardized regulations, and revenue shares for professional teams. According to ESL Managing Director Ralf Reichert, the introduction of the WESA is a major step for eSports to become a leading source of entertainment for gaming fans.
“The formation of WESA is a critical milestone on our way to grow eSports globally, and we’re incredibly excited to work with some of the world’s best professional teams,” he said. “Their continuous support to the formation and structuring of the Association only further cemented our belief that eSports is well on its way to become the leading source of entertainment of gaming fans around the world.”
Like sports organizations such as the NHL or Major League Baseball, WESA strives to introduce more standardized player contracts for teams, revenue sharing, and oversight of team trades.
WESA aims to become the “global benchmark for industry-wide standards through that framework, involved parties and activities of the Association,” according to the official website.
The formation of WESA is the result of more than a year of negotiation between many teams and organizers. The association strives to bring much needed structure to an otherwise crowded and anarchic eSports ecosystem.
The founding teams include:
- Fnatic
- Natus Vincere
- EnVyUs
- Virtus.pro
- G2 Esports
- FaZe
- Mousesports
- Ninjas in Pyjamas
WESA plans to induct more members, and is discussing an expansion with various organizations in Europe and North America. Several major eSports brands have commented on the induction of WESA, including FaZe Clan CEO and owner, Thomas Oliveira.
“The incentive was certainly there to get involved in WESA. Not just financially, but intrinsically: this is a sign of the industry recognizing the value and role that teams play. We look forward to working with WESA to make a difference in the scene,” he said.
Team Virtus.Pro player Wiktor “TaZ” Wojtas says WESA marks the first time in history players will be able to organize themselves.
“WESA offers many opportunities to the Member Teams and their Players, but we’re most excited about the eSports’ first official player representative finally becoming a reality. For the first time in the history of eSports, players will come together to organize themselves, and that will enable all of us to get a real say in decisions that directly influence us. With a Player Council sitting at the table with the rest of the decision makers, we’re going to continue improve the tournament and league organization,” he said.
Pietro Fringuelli takes on the role of Interim League Commissioner, bringing a vast wealth of experience from the sports industry. Fringuelli says the induction of WESA is a game-changer for eSports stakeholders.
“I’m incredibly honoured and excited to join the World Esports Association today, and am looking forward to bringing my years of experience from traditional sports into the world of electronic sports,” he said. “The formation of WESA, and the growth of the Association in the coming years, will be the critical performance indicators for the entire eSports industry – and a real game changer for its every stakeholder.”
We have contacted WESA for more information on how the organization plans to grow and develop. For more information, check out the WESA website.
