Members of the International Esports Federation have elected Vlad Marinescu as its new president. The election took place at the IESF’s 17th Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, alongside the 17th World Esports Championship Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Finals.
The assembly also elected the IESF Board for 2026, which included HRH Prince Omar Bin Faisal (Jordan), Afiq Fadhli Bin Narawi (Malaysia), Elin Yoojung Moen (Norway), Clint Kennedy (United States), and Flip De Bruyn (Namibia).
Marinescu is no stranger to leadership roles at IESF: he previously served as IESF president from 2020 – 2023 and as vice president from 2019 – 2020. Marinescu resigned as president in October 2023, which allowed Saudi Esports Federation founder HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud to become its president. In addition to his time at IESF in the past, Marinescu recently ended a six-year run at the International Judo Federation, where he served as director general and chief media & marketing officer.
Marinescu’s tenure as the leader of the esports federation has had its share of controversy; during his tenure the organization was criticized for the deal it made with the Iași, Romania Mayor Mihai Chirica for its recent world championship event, and for reinstating Russia as a full member, allowing the country to fly its flag at events again in 2024, despite its ongoing war with Ukraine.
“I am truly grateful for the trust placed in me to continue leading the International Esports Federation,” Marinescu said. “As we mark our 10th election cycle, we remain steadfast in our commitment to unity, transparency, and the sustained growth of the World of Esports.”
The IESF added that delegates “reviewed strategic priorities for the year ahead, including enhanced governance standards, expanded athlete development initiatives, and strengthened international cooperation. Voting on member-submitted motions underscored the federation’s collective commitment to advancing integrity, professionalism, and institutional maturity across the esports ecosystem.”
On a related note, the IESF highlighted what it viewed as a successful event for 2026: the the 17th World Esports Championship Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Finals. The competition was attended by Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid bin Hamidi; Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports YB Tuan Adam Adli bin Abd Halim; IESF President Vlad Marinescu; and President of the Malaysia Esports Federation Mr. Muhammad Naim Al Amin.
Ultimately Malaysia took home the Gold Medal, Cambodia took home Silver, and Turkiye won the Bronze Medal in the ML:BB competition. Indonesia took home the Gold medal in the MLBB Women’s Tournament at WEC25, followed by Silver for Cambodia, and Bronze for Egypt.
“WEC25 has set a new milestone for MLBB and for esports as a whole,” said Igor Nedeski, IESF esports manager. “Seeing teams from around the world compete at the highest level and witnessing Indonesia’s incredible back-to-back Women’s championship reminds us why we are committed to growing this community. Together with MOONTON Games, we are proud to bring fans and athletes an unforgettable experience and to continue expanding MLBB’s global presence.”
The IESF did not host other competitions outside of ML:BB despite the world championship being a multi-title affair in previous years.