In 2027, the World of Esports turns to Astana.
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 honors 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 recognized 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.
