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Filip Šoć, President Electronic Sports Association of Montenegro (SESCG) i general secretary of the Adria Esports Federation, is one of the key people who laid the foundations of Montenegrin esports.
With his engagement on the domestic and regional scene, Šoć contributed to the professionalization and internationalization of the esports community, and through his candidacy for the IESF Board, he wants to transfer that energy to the global level.
Below is an interview regarding his candidacy.
gl: What motivated you to run for IESF board member and what personal goal do you want to achieve through this position?
Filip Soc: As someone who has been actively contributing to the development of esports, gaming and digital innovations in Montenegro, the region and beyond for more than ten years, I believe that now is the right time to use my knowledge, experience and international network to contribute on a global level.
My candidacy for the IESF Board comes from the desire to give smaller countries a stronger voice in international structures, to strengthen the role of education through esports, as well as to promote the sustainable development of the industry that includes everyone - regardless of size or budget.
gl: How do you see the future role of the IESF in the global esports landscape, especially in relation to publishers, national federations and educational institutions?
Filip Soc: The IESF must play the role of a connector. I believe that there must be a balance, on the one hand to build a stable relationship with publishers and their IP, and on the other hand to enable national federations and schools to actively participate in the development of competitions, education and community.
IESF should be a platform that creates trust among all actors - and as such must provide clear cooperation mechanisms, standards and transparent communication.
gl: As a representative of a smaller market like Montenegro, how do you plan to empower smaller countries and encourage their more active role in the international esports community?
Filip Soc: Montenegro is a real example that even small countries can play a big role. We organized dozens of regional and international events (such as Montenegro Future Festival, European Gaming Summit, FiveG Expo), worked on qualifications for world competitions, involved educational institutions and local authorities, and proved that with a strong vision, a team can do anything.
Through the Board position, I want to open space for smaller countries to more easily receive support, tools and mentorship, in order to develop their ecosystems without the need for large budgets.
gl: Esports is increasingly entering the educational system through colleges, schools, and youth programs. How do you envision the ideal model of connecting education and esports on a global level?
Filip Soc:I am already part of the NASEF Europe network, which deals with the gamification of education and the integration of STEM skills through esports.
The ideal model includes: licensed educators and trainers, development of digital courses, competitions between schools and universities, as well as connections with local and national associations.
Education through gaming is not only the future - it is the present that should be available to everyone, with the support of IESF as a global regulator and partner.
gl: The esports industry is developing extremely fast, but also unevenly. What, in your opinion, are the biggest obstacles to the sustainable development of esports today and how can the IESF help overcome them?
Filip Soc: The biggest obstacles to the sustainable development of the esports industry today are the lack of transparency, education about legal and financial models, the absence of long-term strategies and the limited connection of smaller countries with global flows. IESF, in my opinion, should respond to these challenges through the development of practical tools for the organization and improvement of the work of national associations, the implementation of educations on monetization and professional management, support in the construction of infrastructure, as well as the creation of continuous regional programs that would complement and upgrade the main world event.
gl: The Phygital concept, which combines traditional sports and esports, is increasingly present. How much potential do you see in that synergy and can it become a new direction of development of the sport as a whole?
Filip Soc: Absolutely. I have been involved in the phygital movement for over a year now through the World Phygital Community and host national qualifications.
Phygital offers space for the joint growth of esports and traditional sports, along with new forms of competition, fan experiences and technologies.
I believe that phygital will come to life as a third pillar next to sports and esports and that IESF should follow and support this transition, especially through youth and university programs.
gl: Today, IESF is a global organization with hundreds of members. How do you imagine modern, inclusive leadership and what do you consider to be the key values of the future board?
Filip Soc: Modern leadership means listening to all members, especially those who are not heard loudly.
It means making decisions transparently, based on knowledge, not politics.
For me, the key values are: integrity, inclusion, responsibility, proactivity and cooperation.
The Board must be open, present on the ground, available for advice and support to all members, and work daily to make IESF a global leader that everyone trusts.
