BAI at International Esports Development Forum (GDEC 2025)
On 2 July 2025, BAI took part in the International Esports Development Forum, held in Beijing as part of the Global Digital Economy Conference 2025. Participants at the Forum – policymakers, industry leaders, sports institutions, technology experts, and international stakeholders – convened to explore the rapidly evolving role of e-sports within the digital economy, under the overarching GDEC conference theme “Building Digitally Friendly Cities.”
Ambassador Cujba, BAI Executive President, attended the Forum and delivered a keynote address titled “How Blockchain Technology Empowers E-sports and the Olympic Games.” In his remarks, Ambassador Cujba highlighted the transformation of e-sports from a niche digital activity into a global industry and cultural phenomenon, emphasizing its growing convergence with traditional sports and its forthcoming milestone – the Olympic Esports Games scheduled for 2027. He underscored that e-sports embodies values shared with the Olympic movement, including excellence, fair competition, teamwork, and mutual respect.
A central focus of Ambassador Cujba’s intervention was the role of blockchain technology in strengthening trust, transparency, and inclusion within the e-sports ecosystem. He outlined how blockchain can enhance fan engagement, secure digital ticketing and authentication, enable verifiable digital assets and collectibles, and support new, transparent revenue models for teams and athletes. These technologies, he noted, also play an increasingly important role in athlete training and performance environments, where access to advanced digital tools can directly influence competitive outcomes.
Beyond technology, BAI President emphasized the importance of bridging digital divides within the global e-sports landscape. He called for inclusive development models that ensure equal opportunities for e-athletes from both developed and developing countries, stressing that diversity and global participation are essential to the legitimacy and sustainability of the industry. He also highlighted the need for holistic athlete development, combining digital skills, cognitive training, education, physical fitness, and well-being – placing e-sports professionals on equal footing with traditional athletes.
Following his address, Ambassador Cujba took part in a symbolic ceremony marking international cooperation and shared digital ambition. He activated a ceremonial torch – sending a digital signal simultaneously to Mount Everest – representing global connectivity and consensus in the digital era. Mr. Cujba, together with nine digital consensus partners appearing on stage, was subsequently awarded the Olympus Medal by the Organizing Committee, recognizing collective commitment to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development in the digital sports ecosystem.
BAI welcomed the Forum as a valuable platform for dialogue at the intersection of technology, sport, and global governance. The organization will continue to engage with international partners, sports institutions, and technology leaders to promote responsible innovation, ethical governance, and inclusive growth – ensuring that e-sports and emerging technologies contribute meaningfully to social development, youth empowerment, and international cooperation.