IESF picks Astana as esports capital of the world for 2027

7 July 2026

Big news for international esports fans and especially those from Kazakhstan, as the International Esports Federation (IESF) has just announced Astana as the esports capital of the world for 2027. The organization has revealed that the 2027 edition of their IESF World Esports Championship (WEC) will be taking place in the nation’s capital, Astana. With more than 150 countries (and members of the IESF) expected to turn up, the city will without a doubt be a much-heard name in international esports circles over the coming months. At Legal-Esport, we have taken a quick first look at what to expect from WEC27 in Astana.

Details to be revealed

As it stands at the moment of writing, the Host Agreement for the WEC27 has been signed by the IESF, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Qazaq Cybersport Federation. This formalized Astana as the exclusive location for the 2027 edition of the international esports championship, one of the biggest and most prestigious events on the annual international esports calendar. For now, no further details have been made public, but the expectation is that the organizing parties will reveal more over the coming months.

“WEC27 will be more than a championship”, says Vlad Marinescu, President of the IESF, “It will be a global celebration of nations, athletes, and the future of esports. 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.”

Potential of esports

Like more and more nations around the world, Kazakhstan has recently started recognizing the huge potential of esports. Not just as an industry for gamers, but as a potentially valuable piece of a much wider strategy to boost the country’s educational levels and the digital skills of its people. Like that, Kazakhstan wants esports to be a central piece of a broader national vision for young people, education and innovation. The World Esports Championship 2027 will undoubtedly provide those plans with a considerable boost.

“We are honored that the International Esports Federation has entrusted Kazakhstan with hosting the World Esports Championship 2027”, says Yerbol Myrzabosynov, Minister of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan, “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."