Former International Esports Federation –IESF– President Vlad Marinescu is back in the spotlight as one of the main candidates in the federation’s presidential elections, which will take place on December 6 in Kuala Lumpur during the 17th General Assembly. It will be the tenth presidential election in the organization’s history, a turning point for the future of global esports.
Marinescu, who already led IESF between 2020 and 2023, spearheaded a period of transformation aimed at giving the federation legitimacy and strengthening its ties with the international sports system. Now, his return as a candidate reaffirms his intention to consolidate that vision of a united and recognized global ecosystem.
A career shaped by Olympism
Of Romanian-American origin, Vlad Marinescu has built his career within the structures of world sport. He was for long period director general in Judo IF and Director General of SportAccord. That experience led him to the leadership of judo, where he served as Director General of the International Federation.
His arrival in esports came with a clear goal: to bring governance practices, transparency, and sustainable development from Olympism to a rapidly expanding sector. During his tenure at IESF, he focused on reinforcing institutional credibility and expanding the federation’s international presence.
Rivalry at the polls
In Kuala Lumpur, Marinescu will face Samart Benjamin Assarasakorn, a current IESF board member since 2023, who advocates for a growth model aimed at turning the federation into a world-class institution that empowers every member nation.
In addition to the presidency, delegates will vote for new board members, with candidates from countries such as New Zealand, Iraq, the United States, Namibia, Argentina, India, Malaysia, Montenegro, Myanmar, Germany, Jordan, Israel, Norway, and Uzbekistan.
A key election for the future of esports
The IESF presents itself as the only international esports federation recognized for applying the governance principles of the global sports system, and the 2025 electoral process will be observed as a test of institutional maturity. According to Secretary General Boban Totovski, the goal is to ensure “a fair and democratic process that reflects the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.”
