Esports has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. This steady growth looks set to continue, given the coronavirus pandemic which sent most of us into our homes for the first half of this year. 

Esports has seen remarkable growth in Southeast Asia as well, with the sport featuring as a medal event for the first time ever in last year's Southeast Asian Games. 

As of today, there are no laws or regulations specifically targeted at esports in Singapore, with other countries tending to take a patchwork approach to regulating esports. This can pose risks and challenges, particularly to minors looking to get into the sport. However, that may be all set to change in the near future. 

In December last year, the HQ of the first global body for esports was established in Singapore. The Global Esports Federation's stated aims are as follows:

(1) To collaborate and grow esports; 

(2) Act as a forum to develop a sustainable ecosystem; and 

(3) be the voice and authority for international esports coordination. 

The GEF is currently working on the Global Esports Games (which, being wholly online, should not have to deal with the pandemic-related issues other sporting events have faced in recent times...). 

It will be interesting to see how the GEF decides to fulfil its stated mission and how that impacts the development of this sport.