Paolo Blasi

Paolo Blasi, born in 1975, is a pioneer of electronic sports (esports) in Italy and an internationally recognized figure. His passion for gaming began in the 1990s, but it was in 2012, after several years of study, that he officially started his esports career by organizing competitive events and contributing to the growth of the sector in Italy.

In 2015, he began representing Italy in major international esports federations, taking on the role of Italy's representative in the International Esports Federation and leading the Italian National Team in esports competitions. Thanks to his dedication and expertise, between 2016 and 2020, he selected over 30 Italian athletes who competed in globally recognized events, many of which took place in Asia under the auspices of National Olympic Committees or Ministries of Sport.

Over the years, Paolo has held numerous prestigious positions, including the presidency of the Italian Esports Association (ITESPA) and the role of Secretary General of the Italian Federation of Electronic Sports (FIDE) from 2020 to 2023, representing Italy in international meetings with organizations like the International Esports Federation and Esports Europe.

In 2023, he played a key role in the foundation of the Mediterranean Esports Championship, an esports circuit involving various national federations in the Mediterranean, aimed at promoting the sector at both regional and global levels. Also in 2023, he became the president of the Digital Sport Advisory Board within the World Esports Consortium, further solidifying his leadership role within the esports ecosystem.

Currently, Paolo is the founder and CEO of Independent Electronic Sports (IES), a Switzerland-based organization specializing in strategic consulting for the esports industry. Through IES, he manages relationships with international federations, develops training programs for athletes and technicians, and collaborates with academic and research institutions to foster innovation within the sector.

Throughout his career, he has signed bilateral agreements with France, Cameroon, Kenya, and Gambia to promote the growth of esports internationally. Thanks to his strategic vision and his extensive global network, Paolo continues to be a central figure in the evolution of the sector, creating opportunities for athletes, technicians, and companies operating in esports.