The Ukrainian Federation of Esports has a new leader. Maksym Krippa, owner of NAVI, investor in Maincast studio, and new owner of GSC Game World, has taken the presidency. This change came at a time when the Ukrainian esports market, which was estimated at $20-30 million before the war, is facing numerous challenges.
Businessman and investor Maksym Krippa has confirmed to Forbes Ukraine that he has taken over the leadership of an organization that develops esports in the country.
Known for his active role in the development of the esports industry, Krippa has a clear vision of its further growth. His companies have already made an impact on the esports ecosystem, and now he will manage the processes at the level of the entire Federation. Whether the new leader will be able to take the organization to a new level and help the market recover is a question that concerns the community.
The Federation of Esports of Ukraine forms a new management team
The official announcement of changes in the UESF leadership is expected in the near future. According to preliminary data, Andriy Gryshchenko, who was previously responsible for organizing esports events at NAVI, will become the Federation’s Executive Director.
The new management team includes representatives of the leading Ukrainian esports companies – NAVI and Maincast. Among them:
- CEO of NAVI Evgeny Zolotarev
- Co-founder of Maincast Vitaliy Volochay
- Maincast analyst and commentator Mykhailo Zverev
- NAVI coach Andrii Gorodenskyi
- Chief Operating Officer of NAVI Oleksiy Kucherov
Зміни в роботі UESF
The Ukrainian Esports Federation (UESF) has traditionally focused on protecting the interests of Ukrainian esports players, building infrastructure, attracting partners, and organizing tournaments. Its main functions were to develop regulations and rules for competitions, popularize esports as a component of a healthy lifestyle, and search for investors to increase the competitiveness of domestic teams.
With the arrival of Maksym Krippa as UESF President, new strategic vectors of development are possible. It is expected to intensify international cooperation, expand the esports ecosystem by attracting global brands and creating modern esports hubs. Significant emphasis may be placed on innovation, as Krippa already has successful experience in this area through Maincast. In addition, his connections in the industry allow him to integrate Ukrainian esports into global trends, which can significantly increase funding and opportunities for players and teams.
Maksym Krippa notes that the development strategy of the Ukrainian Esports Federation is still being formed, and the issue of investments is still open. At the same time, he outlined the key areas that he plans to implement in the near future.
The main priorities include establishing effective communication with the esports community, expanding the range of disciplines covered by the Federation, and active development of student and school esports. In addition, special attention will be paid to social initiatives, including the reintegration of veterans through video games.
Krippa also emphasized the importance of creating a transparent and structured system of Ukrainian championships. This will allow for a clear mechanism for selecting the best players for the national team, which will represent the country in the international arena.
