Today’s signing ceremony confirms Kazakhstan’s capital is set to host the IESF World Esports
Championship 2027 (WEC27), bringing together athletes, teams, officials, fans, and federations from
across the world for IESF’s flagship international event.
WEC27 will be a powerful celebration of national pride, excellence, unity, and the unique opportunity for
esports athletes to officially represent their countries under their national flags. For thousands of players
around the world, the World Esports Championship represents one of the highest honours in esports:
competing not only for victory, but for their nation.
With more than 150 IESF Member Federations expected to participate in the qualifiers, Astana will
welcome the global esports family from across all continents and stand proudly as the Esports Capital
for 2027 in the World of Esports.
The championship will feature multiple official competitions, with national teams competing through
IESF’s officially recognised national Member Federations, ensuring that athletes represent their countries
through the proper national esports structures. Built on fair play, integrity, inclusion, international
cooperation, and cultural exchange, WEC27 will uphold the highest standards of national representation
and global competition. As IESF’s premier event, the championship will continue to strengthen the World
of Esports by creating a platform where nations meet, athletes rise, and esports inspires the next
generation.
The Host Agreement for WEC27 was signed in Astana by the International Esports Federation (IESF), the
Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Qazaq Cybersport Federation.
The signing ceremony took place as part of the official launch of Kazakhstan’s new University Campus
initiative, connecting the championship with the country’s long-term vision for education, technology,
innovation, and youth development.
“WEC27 will be more than a championship. It will be a global celebration of nations, athletes, and the
future of esports,” said Vlad Marinescu, President of IESF. “For every player, there is no greater honor
than competing under their national flag and officially representing their nation on the world stage. That
is what makes the World Esports Championship so powerful and so unique. In 2027, Astana will welcome
the world and proudly stand as the Esports Capital in the World of Esports, uniting our Member
Federations, athletes, fans, and communities. Kazakhstan has shown remarkable vision, ambition, and
commitment, and we are confident that WEC27 will deliver an unforgettable championship and a lasting
legacy for the global esports family.”
Yerbol Myrzabosynov, Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, welcomed the
announcement, stating: “We are honored that the International Esports Federation has entrusted
Kazakhstan with hosting the World Esports Championship 2027. This reflects the confidence in our
country’s ability to deliver an event of the highest international standard. Hosting WEC27 reinforces our
commitment to advancing esports and creating new opportunities for young people through sport,
technology, education, and international cooperation. We look forward to welcoming the World of
Esports to Astana and showcasing Kazakhstan as a destination capable of delivering world-class
international events.”
Kuanyshbek Yessekeyev, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Qazaq Cybersport Federation,
added: “We sincerely thank the International Esports Federation for the trust and confidence placed in
Kazakhstan to host the World Esports Championship 2027. This is a historic milestone for our esports
community and a testament to the progress we have achieved together with our partners. Alongside
IESF, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and our national stakeholders, we are committed to delivering
an outstanding championship for athletes, fans, and the World of Esports. WEC27 will inspire future
generations, accelerate the growth of esports in Kazakhstan, and strengthen our country’s position as a
leading esports and digital innovation hub.”
By hosting WEC27, Kazakhstan is placing esports at the center of a broader national vision focused on
young people, education, innovation, digital progress, and international cooperation. The championship
will not only bring the world to Astana but also create a powerful platform for athletes, federations, and
communities to connect through competition, shared values, and national pride.
Additional information regarding the competition schedule, qualification pathway, venues, official titles,
ticketing, and event program will be announced in the coming months through the official IESF channels.
Posted by ON July 2, 2026 in Esports