Vlad Marinescu Takes the Helm as IESF President
Vlad Marinescu has been elected as the new president of the International Esports Federation (IESF) during its 17th Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, coinciding with the 17th World Esports Championship Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Finals.
The assembly also saw the election of the IESF Board for 2026, which includes notable members such as HRH Prince Omar Bin Faisal from Jordan, Afiq Fadhli Bin Narawi from Malaysia, Elin Yoojung Moen from Norway, Clint Kennedy from the United States, and Flip De Bruyn from Namibia.
Marinescu is well-acquainted with leadership within the IESF, having previously held the position of president from 2020 to 2023 and served as vice president from 2019 to 2020. He stepped down as president in October 2023, paving the way for HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, founder of the Saudi Esports Federation, to take over. Recently, Marinescu concluded a six-year tenure at the International Judo Federation, where he was the director general and chief media & marketing officer.
His leadership at the esports federation has not been without controversy; the organization faced criticism for its agreement with Iași, Romania’s Mayor Mihai Chirica regarding the recent world championship event, and for reinstating Russia as a full member, allowing the country to display its flag at events in 2024, despite the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
“I am truly grateful for the trust placed in me to continue leading the International Esports Federation,” Marinescu stated. “As we mark our 10th election cycle, we remain steadfast in our commitment to unity, transparency, and the sustained growth of the World of Esports.”
The IESF noted that delegates reviewed strategic priorities for the upcoming year, focusing on improved governance standards, expanded athlete development initiatives, and enhanced international cooperation. Voting on member-submitted motions highlighted the federation’s dedication to promoting integrity, professionalism, and institutional maturity within the esports ecosystem.
In a related highlight, the IESF celebrated the success of the 17th World Esports Championship Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Finals. The event was attended by key figures, including Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports YB Tuan Adam Adli bin Abd Halim, IESF President Vlad Marinescu, and President of the Malaysia Esports Federation Mr. Muhammad Naim Al Amin.
In the MLBB competition, Malaysia clinched the Gold Medal, with Cambodia taking Silver and Turkiye securing Bronze. In the MLBB Women’s Tournament at WEC25, Indonesia won Gold, followed by Cambodia with Silver and Egypt with Bronze.
“WEC25 has set a new milestone for MLBB and for esports as a whole,” remarked Igor Nedeski, IESF esports manager. “Witnessing teams from around the globe compete at the highest level and Indonesia’s remarkable back-to-back Women’s championship reinforces our commitment to growing this community. Together with MOONTON Games, we are proud to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans and athletes while expanding MLBB’s global footprint.”
The IESF did not organize any other competitions outside of MLBB, despite the world championship traditionally featuring multiple titles in previous years.
