World Esports Capitals through the years

Hosting the World Esports Championship (WEC) is more than just a moment in the spotligh, it’s a transformative opportunity. For cities around the world, being chosen as a WEC host means becoming a center of innovation, culture, and competitive excellence. It’s a chance to stake a claim as a World Esports Capital, not just for a week, but for years to come.

Esports is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with a global fanbase of over 500 million. Hosting a world championship gives cities the chance to tap into that momentum, to develop local infrastructure, boost tourism, and create economic impact. But the benefits go even deeper.

When a city becomes home to WEC, it becomes a platform for youth engagement, digital education, and tech-driven opportunity. Local talent gets a stage. Local businesses get visibility. And most importantly, local communities start seeing esports not just as games, but as a career path, a creative outlet, and a driver of innovation.

What It Means to Be a World Esports Capital

Being a World Esports Capital means becoming a reference point in the international conversation. It’s about having the infrastructure, vision, and cultural commitment to esports, both on and off the stage.

These cities are not only hosting international tournaments, they are investing in grassroots initiatives, education programs, gaming hubs, and community growth. They become homes for new partnerships between public institutions, private investors, and global publishers. And through IESF’s ecosystem, they are connected to over 150 nations, building relationships that last long after the trophies are lifted.

The Legacy in Action

Cities like TaeBaek, where the WEC began in 2009, proved that even smaller, lesser-known places can shape the World Esports history. Others like Seoul, Bali, and Riyadh have raised the bar showing how to merge tradition, innovation, and scale. Iași and Bucharest in Romania showed how a nation’s esports culture can be elevated by hosting, building pride, passion, and long-term structure. Eilat became a symbol of resilience, successfully hosting WEC during the pandemic recovery in 2021.

Every host city has brought something different. But what unites them all is the impact they leave behind.

In the end, the World Esports Championship is not just a tournament. It’s a legacy. And for cities ready to embrace the future of competitive gaming, it’s the key to becoming a true World Esports Capital.

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Hosting the World Esports Championship (WEC) is more than just a moment in the spotligh, it’s a transformative opportunity. For cities around the world, being chosen as a WEC host means becoming a center of innovation, culture, and competitive excellence. It’s a chance to stake a claim as a World Esports Capital, not just for
The post World Esports Capitals through the years appeared first on IESF.