Preface

In the not-so-distant past, competitive video gaming was a pastime of enthusiasts, relegated to basements, arcades, and obscure online forums. Players formed communities not around stadiums or broadcasters, but through LAN parties, IRC channels, and early online multiplayer games. A few decades later, what began as informal gatherings has grown into a globalised cultural, economic, and legal ...
di Dikaia Chatziefstathiou, Professor at Canterbury Christ Church University, Vice-Chair of the Education, Youth and Culture Commission at Global Esports Federation

Introduction

The multidimensionality of the sporting universe

Reasonableness, as a parameter of choice and interpretative criterion, for an e-sports discipline aimed at promoting the progress of the sector and the harmony of the legal system.
di Antonella Simone, RTT Researcher Giur 16A, Legal Sciences Department, Università degli Studi di Salerno

The historical-political, cultural and economic background of e-sports

The historical origin of the complex phenomenon of the video game experience, is examined highlighting the fact that it is a significant cultural medium of contemporary society. The idea is that historical data contributes to understanding the true scale of the phenomenon, making it possible to identity the needs that must be taken into account in any future legislative process.
di Filomena D'Alto, Associate Professor of History of Medieval and Modern Law, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli

From Paris to Riyad for an ethical governance of electronic sports

While history was made when electronic sports (e-sports) were recognized at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, it is not yet clear which international bodies should be responsible for ensuring conformity with the Olympic ideals. This paper will examine whether – possibly subject to certain amendments – the model of international governance used for traditional sports may be replicated ...
di Giorgia Bevilacqua, Researcher in International law at the Law Department of Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitell

European Union law and electronic sports: the current legal framework and the future perspectives

According to EU law, internal market and competition rules can be applied to e-sports, alongside a framework regulating the video games sector and protecting gamers’ rights. Considering the EU competence in both traditional and electronic sports, this paper aims to outline the prospects for a better future of e-sports as both a professional and recreational activity.
di Flavia Rolando, Associate Professor of European Union Law at the Department of Law, University of Naples “Federico II”

Gender and e-sports: from discrimination to inclusivity

This study describes the evolution in female representation in video games and investigates the reasons for discrimination in e-sports. It then proposes possible solutions for achieving a truly inclusive gaming environment. Central to this effort is the adoption of gender perspective to subvert the heteronormativity embedded in all societies and, by extension, in the gaming industry. The study ...
di Maria Chiara Vitucci, Full professor of International Law, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli

The protection of intellectual property rights in electronic sports: problems and prospects

This essay analyses the relationship between e-sports and intellectual property. In particular it examines some interconnected issues, such as: the definition of e-sports; the relevance of intellectual property in e-sports; the objects and individuals that may be protected under copyright law in e-sports; the applicability of intellectual property law to the e-sports sector; the resolution of ...
di Michele Nino, Full Professor of International Law, Università degli Studi di Salerno

'It's in the game': the problems of gambling and match-fixing in e-sports

The phenomena of gambling and match-fixing pose two of the most serious risks to the legitimacy and growth of the e-sports system. In light of these problems and given the growing popularity of e-sports, it is evident the need for an international governing body, recognised by the entire sector, capable of both enforcing uniform rules of conduct and sanctioning unlawful behaviour.
di Ilaria Infante, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in International Law, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli

Antidoping procedures and the protection of fundamental rights of athletes

In drawing up the emerging anti-doping regulations it is necessary to address the impact that these rules can have on the individual rights of the athletes, such as privacy and data security, access to effective judicial review, reputational damage and loss of opportunities. These regulatory options and their interactions with testing and sanctioning procedures need to be assessed in the ...
di Stefano Guadagno, Post-doc Research Fellow in Labour law at DIETI, Università degli Studi di Napoli “Federico II”

Arbitration and e-sports: challenges and prospects

This article contends that arbitration represents the most appropriate mechanism for resolving disputes in electronic sports (e-sports). It examines the industry’s background, recurring legal controversies and current dispute resolution methods. Highlighting arbitration’s neutrality, flexibility, confidentiality, arbitrators’ expertise and international enforceability of ...
di Maria Belén Saldana Solari, Ph.D in “European Union Law and National Legal System”, Università degli Studi di Ferrara; advisor for UPSIDE – Urban Playground for Massive Digital Experience Project, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”