WESA, A FIFA-Like Governing Body, Announced For eSports

The World eSports Association (WESA) has been announced in London as a global governing body for eSports

Founded by the world’s largest eSports company, ESL, with the support of eight major teams, WESA hopes to be the FIFA of the eSports world, at least without all of the alleged bribery and corruption.

“WESA is an open and inclusive organisation that will further professionalise esports by introducing elements of player representation, standardised regulations, and revenue shares for teams,” ESL’s official website reads.

“WESA will seek to create predictable schedules for fans, players, organisers and broadcasters, and for the first time bring all stakeholders to the discussion table.”

It’s unclear how much authority WESA will actually have to govern eSports, even with support behind. WESA’s announcement does not mention any major publisher such as Riot, Blizzard, and Valve which all run major eSports tournaments. Sky News reports that while no publisher has signed up yet talks are ongoing.

WESA’s four-person executive board include the CEO and vice president of ESL as well as the owner and CEO of the Ninjas in Pyjamas and Fnatic eSports teams. The organisation will also include a player-elected council to advocate for pro gamers with members of the first council being announced soon.

ESL began drug testing eSports contestants last year, becoming the first organisation in the field to do so. This may help them encourage publishers to accept WESA as the world governing body.

Yesterday, Activision, which owns Major League Gaming, announced the Event Viewing Experience (EVE), and a partnership to stream live eSports events through Facebook.