On the morning of January 30, the first term congress (2026 – 2031) of the Ho Chi Minh City Esports Federation officially took place. This was not only a gathering of over 70 members including publishers, clubs, coaches, and athletes, but also a strong affirmation of the position of Esports in the context of digital transformation. With the participation of representatives from state management agencies, the congress is seen as a historical milestone, opening a new development phase where esports is clearly identified as a modern sport, closely linked with the trend of socialization and deep international integration.
Looking back on the journey from 2021 to 2025, esports in Ho Chi Minh City has proven its leading role by contributing over 80% of the core force for national teams. These telling figures have been concretized by brilliant achievements at regional sports events. Notably, at SEA Games 33, representatives from Ho Chi Minh City excellently brought home 2 precious Gold Medals in the men’s and women’s team events of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
In addition, the FC Online discipline also made a strong impression with a Silver Medal, affirming the superior expertise of the city’s athletes on the Esports map of the region.
Not stopping at competitive achievements, the Federation has also demonstrated impressive operational capabilities by successfully organizing many international and regional tournaments right in Vietnam. These efforts have contributed to enhancing Ho Chi Minh City’s status as a reputable destination for large-scale Esports events, standardizing the organization process to meet the stringent global standards.
Entering the term 2026 – 2031, the congress has agreed on a breakthrough direction based on a strong multi-stakeholder cooperation model. In this ecosystem, game publishers will play a central role in content development and maintaining the competition system; clubs will focus maximally on professional training; the Federation will act as the “conductor” connecting and coordinating; while state management agencies will ensure a solid legal framework. This clear division of roles promises to create a more stable, transparent, and professional development environment for the community.
To realize these ambitions, the congress elected the Executive Committee for the first term consisting of 12 outstanding members. Notably, Mr. Mai Ba Hung – former Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports – has been trusted to hold the position of President, with Mr. Phan Dang Dung as Secretary General. With extensive experience in sports management and a mindset for innovation, the new leadership is expected to be a fresh breeze, leading the Ho Chi Minh City esports ecosystem to develop healthily, sustainably, and reach further on the international stage.