The Jamaica Esports Initiative (JEI) has become the first Caribbean federation to be granted membership to the International e-Sports Federation (IeSF). Founded in July 2018, the JEI comprises approximately 700 gamers and the leading esports influencers in Jamaica. “We are enthusiastic about our acceptance into the IeSF, as it presents Jamaica as a forerunner for esports development in our region,” said Andrew Johnson, JEI vice president.
International e-Sports Federation membership, grants Jamaica the opportunity to compete with 55 other countries in the body’s annual world championships. Other benefits include participation in international esports development workshops, a vote on global esports decisions as well as the ability to stage esports world championships in Jamaica.
The IeSF is also affiliated with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which is an added boon for Olympic Games hopefuls the JEI. The Jamaican body has been acknowledged by the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) and has begun the process for official membership.
Noting that the JOA is the highest sporting authority on the island, Johnson said “we have been validated and are now conducting championships to qualify players for Jamaica’s national team ‘The Dr Birdz.’”
The JEI has also engaged the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) to foster discussions about utilising available resources to host international esports conferences and championships, which has been welcomed by the tourism body. Safi James-Barrow, destination marketing manager at the JTB also commended the JEI for achieving this first milestone.
“Through this accomplishment, Destination Jamaica now has the attention of the world of esports, not just as avid gamers but also as an available host for future events,” she said.
JEI Chairman Gregory Moore agrees. “Jamaica is the gem of the Caribbean; we boast some of the best all-inclusive resorts, and it only makes sense to present Jamaica to the international esports community as a prime destination,” he said. “The JEI has begun the necessary groundwork and will be partnering with local and regional entities to ensure that esports’ full potential will be explored.”
In the meantime, the 700-gamer-strong entity is busy readying for the next qualifiers whose results will determine who will represent Jamaica at the 2019 Evolution Championships Series in Las Vegas in August. Esports will be a medal event at the 2022 Asian Games.