Esports To Feature In The World Games Chengdu 2025: An IWGA-Global Esports Federation Collaboration

The Global Esports Federation (GEF) and International World Games Association (IWGA) sign a Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) to integrate esports at the 12th edition of The World Games. According to the Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) signed between the two entities, esports will be demonstrated at the event to be held from 7-17 August 2025 in Chengdu, China.

The Global Esports Federation (GEF) and the International World Games Association (IWGA), the organisers of The World Games have announced their partnership to introduce esports demonstrations and showcases at the upcoming 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China. This agreement is a significant first step towards the full inclusion of esports in future editions of The World Games.

With this collaboration, IWGA aims to strengthen its digital engagement and presence, resonating its interests with the global esports community. 

“This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for our organisation and the progressive integration of esports within our global sporting community. Our partnership brings immense opportunities, starting with The World Games Chengdu 2025, where we anticipate a vibrant fusion of traditional sports and revolutionary esports as part of the entertainment programme. This agreement not only enhances the scope and appeal of our event but also underscores our commitment to innovation and inclusivity in sports. We look forward to the remarkable possibilities this collaboration will unlock for future events and the global sporting landscape”, says IWGA Deputy CEO Guillaume Felli.

The World Games 2025, Chengdu: A new face of sports

The World Games is an international multi-sport event that features sports and disciplines not included in the Olympic Games. Held every four years, one year after the Summer Olympics, it gathers athletes from around 100 nations. With a programme covering 30 to 35 sports, over 4,000 athletes compete in events such as powerlifting, dance sports, and flying disc. This global event is governed by the International World Games Association (IWGA) and has been celebrated since its inaugural edition in 1981 in Santa Clara, California.

The World Games include sports like cheerleading and drone racing, widening its contemporary trends and broadening the appeal to a younger audience. This flexibility and inclusion of diverse sports makes The World Games a unique and progressive event in the world of international sports.

The 12th edition of The World Games will be held from 7th to 17th August 2025 in Chengdu, China. With the guidelines of the IWGA strategy paper ‘Growth Beyond Excellence’, The World Games 2025 aims to increase the number of participants, enhancing the diversity and inclusivity of the event.

IWGA is also strategically entering into new partnerships and creative projects to enhance audience interaction and participation while supporting UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals by integrating social responsibility and sustainability into the events.

With Chengdu 2025 set as the stage, this collaboration with GEF seeks to tap into the limitless potential of esports, offering a platform where digital and sports converge.

The World Games: A global opportunity beyond the Olympics

While The World Games focus on non-Olympic sports, the recent announcement by the International Olympic Committee introduces a different approach to esports. The IOC plans to explore esports that promote traditional Olympic sports, such as Tik-Tak Bow for archery. 

The announcement of the GEF-IWGA partnership follows closely on the heels of the IOC’s recent statement about considering the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, which will be a topic of discussion at the upcoming IOC Session during the Paris Olympics in 2024.

The GEF, known for promoting the credibility, legitimacy, and prestige of esports, is committed to cultivating competition, developing communities, and connecting sport, esports, and technology. This partnership aligns with the GEF’s mission to amplify the global esports movement.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in uniting the world connected with esports and traditional sports communities. By creating limitless opportunities for world-class athletes, we aim to inspire billions of fans through high-performance competition. We are dedicated to creating innovative and immersive entertainment experiences that celebrate both esports and traditional sports”, comments Paul J. Foster, CEO of GEF. 

With over 170 global partnerships and a mission to elevate the esports industry, the GEF is well-positioned to lead this new era of competitive gaming. As esports continues to grow in popularity, this collaboration with The World Games marks a pivotal moment in recognising esports as a significant component of the global sports landscape.