The owner of NAVI became the president of the Ukrainian Esports Federation
Businessman and owner of the esports club Natus Vincere, Maksym Kryppa, has become the president of the "Ukrainian Esports Federation" (UESF). The change in leadership may impact the future development of esports in Ukraine and its integration into international competitions. Maksym confirmed this information in a comment to Forbes Ukraine.
What UESF is and what it does
The Ukrainian Esports Federation was founded in 2017 and is involved in the development of the esports scene in the country. UESF forms the national team that represents Ukraine in international tournaments and submits lists of athletes to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to obtain permits for traveling abroad. The organization is an official member of the global Esports Federation, which unites 146 countries.
During its activity, UESF has conducted hundreds of tournaments, launched the first esports programs in Ukrainian universities, and created esports arenas in Kyiv and Dnipro. Thanks to its efforts, esports received official recognition as a sport in Ukraine in 2020.
Leadership change and future plans
Along with Kryppa, the new UESF board includes the CEO of the NAVI esports team Yevhen Zolotariov, co-founder of the broadcasting studio Maincast Vitaliy Volochai, commentator and streamer Mykhailo Zvieriev, NAVI coach Andriy Horodenskyi, and COO of NAVI Oleksii Kuchero.
To return the Federation to active work, $1.5-2 million in annual investment is needed, according to Ivan Danishevskyi, former chairman of the UESF board and founder of Esports Charts. He noted that Kryppa has many resources, so he hopes the new leaders can achieve what the former ones aspired to do.
Kryppa stated that the Federation's main priorities include building communication with the esports community, developing school and university esports, and expanding the list of disciplines overseen by UESF.
"We will also build a clear regular system of Ukrainian championships that will allow us to fairly select worthy candidates for the national team to represent Ukraine at world-level competitions." -Kryppa stated.
Kryppa emphasized that the Federation must operate openly, ensuring transparency in all processes and providing esports athletes with a clear understanding of its working principles, available opportunities, and ways to participate in the development of the scene. He also assured that the organization plans to reintegrate veterans through games, creating opportunities for their professional development.
According to him, the Federation's development strategy is still being developed, but the main goal is to return UESF to active activity and strengthen its role on the international stage.
"We need to work on the image of Ukrainian esports so that it is perceived as a competitive and well-organized direction." -Kryppa concluded.
Kryppa acquired the esports organization NAVI in 2020, a stake in the broadcasting studio Maincast in 2021, and the company GSC World, developer of S.T.A.L.K.E.R, in 2023. His investments contribute to the development of Ukrainian esports and gaming, expanding opportunities for players and viewers. This provides the esports community with new tools for growth and international integration.
