BRICS Championship in Moscow Sparks Controversy as RESF and CBDEL sign Cooperation Agreement

The Controversial Agreement

The agreement signed between the Russian Esports Federation (RESF) and the Brazilian Confederation of Esports (Confederação Brasileira de Desportos Eletrônicos, CBDEL) was a significant moment in esports diplomacy. This agreement, aimed at fostering closer ties and mutual participation in esports events, was seen by many as a bold move, especially considering the ongoing international scrutiny of Russia due to its actions in Ukraine.

Daniel Cossi, WESCO CEO, President of the Confederação Brasileira de Desportos Eletrônicos, Executive Board Member of the International esports Federation (IeSF), and PAMESCO Vice President writes on his LinkedIN:

I have been in Moscow, Russia, at the BRICS ESPORTS Championship, this time the franchise TEKKEN was under the spotlight. Also, I have been with my friends from RESF – Russian Esports Federation, to sign agreement of exclusive and mutual recognition, and the intention of participating at events from both parts, and through BRICS ESPORTS, between CBDEL – Brazilian Confederation of Esports ( @cbdelesports ) and RESF – Russian Federation of Esports ( @russian_esports ). President of RESF, Mr. Dimitry Smith and Special Advisor for RESF, Mr. Konstantine Surkont, were with me and signed the agreement. The BRICS 2023 competition, it’s an initiative directly from the Russian Federal Govern to promote esports between the BRICS countries. Next year the host country will be China, and in 2025, Brasil is going to host the competition. The Brazilian athletes from the Brazilian National Esports Team were with me, and I am gonna present them all, and what happened at the CBDEL Instagram and other social medias profiles ( @cbdelesports ).

Critics of the agreement argue that it undermines the efforts of the international community to isolate Russia as a response to its military actions. They fear that such collaborations could be perceived as a softening of the global stance against Russia, potentially diluting the impact of sanctions and diplomatic pressures.

The Role of Esports in Diplomacy

Supporters of the event, however, see it in a different light. They argue that esports can serve as a neutral ground, a platform for diplomacy and dialogue, even amidst political tensions. Dmitry Smit’s remarks about cybersports crossing boundaries in favor of personal interaction encapsulate this sentiment. The success of the event, with participants from diverse geopolitical backgrounds, is cited as evidence that esports can bridge divides and foster a sense of global community.

The Future Games and Russia’s Role

The announcement of the Games of the Future and the Friendship Games by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko adds another layer to the debate. These events, focusing on cutting-edge technology and offering substantial prize money, are seen as Russia’s attempt to establish itself as a key player in the global esports and tech arena. This move is viewed by some as an effort to circumvent the isolation imposed by the international community and to create a new sphere of influence in the rapidly growing world of esports and digital entertainment.

Ethical Dilemmas and International Response

The ethical dilemmas posed by these developments are complex. On one hand, there is a recognition of the need to maintain diplomatic and cultural exchanges, even with nations facing international censure. On the other hand, there is a fear that such exchanges could inadvertently legitimize or normalize actions that are widely condemned.

The international response to these developments has been varied. Some esports organizations and players have expressed discomfort and have called for a more cautious approach to international collaborations involving nations embroiled in geopolitical conflicts. Others advocate for the apolitical nature of sports and esports, arguing that such platforms should not be used for political purposes.

Conclusion

As the dust settles on the BRICS Esports Championship in Moscow, the esports world finds itself at a crossroads. The decisions made in the coming months and years will shape not just the future of esports, but also its role in the broader context of international relations and ethical responsibility. The controversy surrounding the Moscow event is a clear indication that the world of esports cannot remain isolated from the larger geopolitical landscape. How it navigates these choppy waters will be a test of its maturity and its ability to balance the love of the game with the realities of the world it inhabits.

Previous Reporting by ELN on Russia’s Esports Law

This recent controversy comes on the heels of an earlier report by Esports Legal News (ELN) on Russia’s introduction of a controversial esports law. As detailed in our 24 November 2023, article, Russia plans to pass a law that effectively allows the bypassing of game licensing agreements for esports events. This move, seen by many as a direct challenge to the established norms of intellectual property rights in the gaming industry, has further complicated Russia’s standing in the global esports community. The law, which critics argue undermines the legal framework that protects game developers and publishers, has been viewed as another example of Russia’s willingness to flout international norms for its own advantage. This context adds another layer of complexity to the BRICS Esports Championship and the subsequent agreements, as it raises questions about the legal and ethical implications of collaborating with a nation that has shown a readiness to sidestep international legal standards in the realm of digital entertainment and esports.