The Korea eSports Association (KeSPA), led by Chairman Kim Young Man, has announced details and keynote speakers for the upcoming "2024 KeSPA Global Esports Forum in Seoul," aimed at fostering collaborative growth within the global esports ecosystem. The forum will be held from November 14 to 16 at Pie Factory Studio in Seoul’s Gwangjin district and is supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Key partners include Cas and Sidiz, whose involvement emphasizes the broadening support for esports in both public and private sectors.

The forum is organized around three primary themes—Athletes, Cooperation, and Education—and will address the core areas needed for sustained esports development on an international scale. Topics range from governance and athlete welfare to education and national team infrastructure. Key presentations and panel discussions will feature talks on Korea's esports national team management system, an in-depth look into the experiences of esports athletes from the recent Hangzhou Asian Games, and an analysis of potential growth paths for esports in the Olympic sphere. The forum aims to conclude with a joint resolution summarizing insights and action plans derived from these discussions.

Prominent speakers and participants include international and national figures in esports and sports management. These include KeSPA Chairman Kim Young Man, IOC Esports Division Head Stephan Filestet, AESF COO Kim Tae Hyung, Hangzhou Asian Games gold medalist “FAKER” Lee Sang Hyeok (T1), and prominent esports figure Kim Kwan Woo, known as "M. Lizard." Additional representatives from countries such as Japan, Canada, Namibia, Ghana, Vietnam, and the UK will join approximately 40 other invited speakers and stakeholders to share perspectives and contribute to the event’s collaborative vision.

One of the forum’s highlights will be KeSPA's presentation on the successful structure behind Korea's esports national team. Having achieved medals in all categories at the Hangzhou Asian Games, KeSPA will reveal its strategy and framework, offering it as a potential model for other countries looking to develop competitive esports teams on the international stage.

The "2024 KeSPA Global Esports Forum in Seoul" reflects Korea’s growing leadership in the esports industry and commitment to shaping a globally inclusive and sustainable ecosystem. By including voices from diverse regions and specializations, the forum aspires to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation among esports nations, laying the groundwork for collective advancements in both performance and governance.

Attendance information for the forum, including program schedules and keynote speaker bios, is available through KeSPA’s official social media platforms, which also provide updates for fans and industry participants.

Sayart / Jack Lee, wangjb77@gmail.com