WESA’s Rules and Regulations are Designed to Further Professionalize the Esports Industry

NEW YORK CITY (June 29, 2017) – WESA and RFRSH today announced they have agreed that RFRSH will comply with WESA’s Multi-Team Ownership Regulations. Under these rules, ownership or control of multiple esports organizations or teams that participate in Pro League is prohibited.

“The rules and regulations we have implemented are designed to protect the integrity of our Member organizations, their players and the esports industry at large,” said Ken Hershman, Executive Chairman and Commissioner, WESA. “RFRSH has indicated that they also share the vision to invest in improvements for players, fans and the scene in general. We are very pleased that RFRSH has embraced the regulations and we look forward to continue working with them to move the industry forward.”

“RFRSH shares the same vision as WESA and its Members to help further professionalize the esports industry,” said Nikolaj Nyholm, CEO and Founder, RFRSH. “We are taking the necessary steps to comply to WESA’s rules and regulations and are excited to work alongside WESA and all of its Members.”

Since its founding, WESA has introduced a number of industry-leading initiatives designed to further professionalize the esports industry, including regulations around multi-team ownership, player transfers, standard terms and conditions for player contracts, as well as the first esports specific alternative dispute resolution system, ACES.

As RFRSH’s multi-team ownership position existed prior to enactment of WESA’s mandate, RFRSH will comply within an 18-month grace period.

About WESA

WESA was founded in May 2016 and counts as its Members eleven of the world’s most popular esports teams (EnVyUS, FaZe Clan, Fnatic, G2 Esports, mousesports, Natus Vincere, Ninjas in Pyjamas, OpTic Gaming, Renegades, SK Gaming and Virtus.pro) together with ESL, the world’s largest esports company. This elite group shares a collective vision to continue to professionalize esports by introducing elements of player representation, standardized regulations and revenue sharing for teams. Based on traditional sports association models, WESA also aims to create predictable schedules for fans, players, organizers and broadcasters by engaging all appropriate stakeholders. Pro League for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is the first professional esports competition that is played under WESA regulations.