<h2>Thursday, January 5th – Seminar Esports performance and coaching: the ins and outs&nbsp;</h2><p>After a short introduction of the BESFs 5 Pillars and a general outline by Jos Verschueren, the director of postgraduate sports at the VUB and BESF commissioner for education and research, the seminar began by discussing various topics related to coaching and performance in the esports scene.</p><h3>Markus Moëckel about the working of the Esports Bund Deutschland (ESBD)&nbsp;</h3><p>Markus, the head of the German Esports Federation's academy, spoke about the creation and goals of the ESBD and its academy. As a sports scientist and sport psychological coach, Markus emphasized the crucial role that coaches play in esports at every level, from grassroots to the top 0.01%. However, he noted that there is still a lack of awareness and expectations for coaches in the field. In response to this gap, the ESBD established its academy to provide a curriculum for coaches at all levels. The aim of the ESBD academy is to increase awareness of the importance of coaching in esports and to have more educated coaches in the industry.&nbsp;</p><h3>Matthew Watson &amp; James ‘Torok’ Thomsen about the International Federation of Esports Coaches (IFoEC)&nbsp;</h3><p>Matthew Watson, director of Learning and Development at the International Federation of Esports Coaches (IFoEC) and James Thomsen, Coach and student of Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick performed a well-coordinated duet between the two, continuously altering between theory and practice. Matthew shared his concerns about the lack of focus on player development and the shift in motivation from intrinsic (playing for fun) to extrinsic (needing to win to keep one's job) in esports organizations. He also discussed the physical and emotional toll this shift can take on players, including the risk of burnout and depression. Parallel to this, Matthew's studies have proven that there is a lack of clear career paths for coaches, who often must focus on short-term goals in order to prove themselves worthy rather than on long-term development. James, a coach since the age of 16, corroborated many of Matthew's observations and provided personal insights from his own career. He also expressed a desire for more support in reaching the top levels of coaching in esports.&nbsp;</p><h3>Anton Van Gorp his findings as a Complexity CS:GO analyst and assistant Coach&nbsp;</h3><p>Following a short coffee break, Anton, the CS:GO analyst and assistant coach for Complexity, shared his expertise as a coach and analyst for the team. Anton highlighted the importance of team balance in achieving success, stating that the right combination of egos, roles, and personalities is necessary for a team to perform at its best. He emphasized that it is not always necessary to have the best players individually, but rather the right mix of players who can work together effectively. Continuing the theme of team balance, Anton emphasized the importance of team balance and the role of the coach in achieving it. A good coach should listen to and adapt to the needs of their players, rather than imposing a playstyle that does not fit the team. Anton noted that a coach who is willing to learn and adapt is crucial for success, while a bad coach might hinder it by forcing a mismatched playstyle.&nbsp;</p><h3>Matthias Dewilde on battling game addiction with gamechangers&nbsp;</h3><p>Matthias, the co-founder of GameChangers, an organization dedicated to addressing game addiction, started his presentation that began with a personal biography about his own experiences with gaming. As a young man, Matthias found himself increasingly isolated and consumed by games like FIFA and World of Warcraft, neglecting other hobbies and relationships. However, a power outage forced him to confront his own loneliness and lack of social skills, and he began working on himself and building relationships outside of gaming. This led him to start GameChangers, where he provides support and coaching to people struggling with similar issues, using a structured approach. Matthias also helps (re)connect parents with their children and help them navigate the world of online gaming.&nbsp;</p><h3>Rudy Heylen wrapping up esports in brief&nbsp;</h3><p>Rudy Heylen, a mental coach and owner of Heavy Mental, concluded the seminar with a summary of the presentations given by the other speakers. Rudy described coaches as having a presence in every aspect of the esports industry, like a centipede with many legs. He also emphasized the importance of coaches being open to concept of “not knowing” in order to handle situations effectively and help their players perform to their full potential. Rudy encouraged coaches to listen to their players and adapt to their needs rather than imposing their own ideas on the team. Overall, the third Esports seminar on performance and coaching, hosted by BESF, VUB, and EGO, was a success. Topics covered included the role of coaches in esports, the importance of team balance, and strategies for addressing game addiction. The seminar featured speakers who provided insights and expertise on these topics. Overall, the seminar offered valuable insights and discussion on key issues related to coaching and performance in the esports industry.</p>

Learn about the crucial role of coaches in esports and the importance of team balance in achieving success at the Seminar on Esports Performance and Coaching. Hear from experts on the German Esports Federation's academy, the International Federation of Esports Coaches, and more.

3rd Esports Seminar 05012023.jpg

BESF and VUB to host third Esports seminar on performance and coaching 

<p>BeSF organised a meeting with the residents of the Acacias nursing home on Monday 21 November. The seniors were able to discuss topics such as e-sports and video games.&nbsp;</p><p>Three activities were proposed to them: a game of Just Dance, a Mario Kart on Nintendo Switch and a test of the Oculus Rift, the latest virtual reality headset.&nbsp;</p><p>The meeting was a great success and allowed the seniors to live a new experience through activities different from their daily life.</p>

BeSF organised a meeting with the residents of the Acacias nursing home on Monday 21 November.

318198290_2150394435165118_2462757301874043282_n-2.jpg

BeSF welcomed the seniors of the Acacias nursing home 

<p>The BeSF organised the Esports Family Day on 20 November.&nbsp;</p><p>The event brought together parents and children on the themes of video games and esports and allowed them to spend a convivial day.&nbsp;</p><p>Actors and representatives of the Belgian esport world were present to answer their questions.&nbsp;</p><p>The day was a great success!</p>

The event brought together parents and children on the themes of video games and esports. 

family-playing-video-games-today-main-181103-5.jpeg

BeSF organised the Esports Family Day

<p>This year’s Belgian Game Awards was particularly important for us as we presented the esport award with a jury of experts in the domain. You might have seen the TV show but we have some behind the scenes for you. Imagine yourself as an avatar, appearing on the shore of the Belgian Game Awards Island ! Yes events can now be held on a fully online basis as we have seen. On a website called gather.town you’ll be able to create an entire city,island or whatever social place you want to be visited by your collaborators or fans.&nbsp;</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://besf-prod.s3.nl-ams.scw.cloud/BGA_island_map_2fa4f5303a.png" alt="BGA_island_map.png"></figure><p>&nbsp;Once in here, use your microphone and camera to talk to the other characters and people around you. In private spaces or on the other hand in plain view for everyone to hear your speech ! In the end we passed a few hours there enjoying the content. Mainly the nominees being interviewed live on the Island, but the whole show you saw on TV with the discussions around us. A little exotic trip out of our homes with esports fans and friends ! Congratulations to our Esports awards winners :</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Tarmac Online Session (Event of the Year)</td><td>Targmas (Esport Player of the Year)</td><td>Targmas (Esport Rookies Player of the Year)</td></tr><tr><td><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://besf-prod.s3.nl-ams.scw.cloud/Tarmac_Online_Sessions_2_4419089cc8.png" alt="Tarmac_Online_Sessions-2.png" srcset="https://besf-prod.s3.nl-ams.scw.cloud/thumbnail_Tarmac_Online_Sessions_2_4419089cc8.png 140w,https://besf-prod.s3.nl-ams.scw.cloud/small_Tarmac_Online_Sessions_2_4419089cc8.png 450w,https://besf-prod.s3.nl-ams.scw.cloud/medium_Tarmac_Online_Sessions_2_4419089cc8.png 675w," sizes="100vw"></figure></td><td><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://besf-prod.s3.nl-ams.scw.cloud/Targamas_Esport_Player_of_the_Year_2_a636db627c.png" alt="Targamas_Esport_Player_of_the_Year-2.png" srcset="https://besf-prod.s3.nl-ams.scw.cloud/thumbnail_Targamas_Esport_Player_of_the_Year_2_a636db627c.png 140w,https://besf-prod.s3.nl-ams.scw.cloud/small_Targamas_Esport_Player_of_the_Year_2_a636db627c.png 450w,https://besf-prod.s3.nl-ams.scw.cloud/medium_Targamas_Esport_Player_of_the_Year_2_a636db627c.png 675w," sizes="100vw"></figure></td><td><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://besf-prod.s3.nl-ams.scw.cloud/Slyex_Esport_Rookie_Player_of_the_Year_2_e69ff908ad.png" alt="Slyex_Esport_Rookie_Player_of_the_Year-2.png" srcset="https://besf-prod.s3.nl-ams.scw.cloud/thumbnail_Slyex_Esport_Rookie_Player_of_the_Year_2_e69ff908ad.png 140w,https://besf-prod.s3.nl-ams.scw.cloud/small_Slyex_Esport_Rookie_Player_of_the_Year_2_e69ff908ad.png 450w,https://besf-prod.s3.nl-ams.scw.cloud/medium_Slyex_Esport_Rookie_Player_of_the_Year_2_e69ff908ad.png 675w," sizes="100vw"></figure></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>&nbsp;</p>

BGA_BESF_Article.png

The Belgian Game Awards 2021 online

<p>Since last week was held the european qualifier for the 13th IESF World Championship. Belgium was one of the participants in the 4 game titles, counting Efootball PES, Tekken 7, CSGO and Dota 2.&nbsp;</p><p>Our national teams already knew the IESF qualifiers as last year they tried their best but ended not playing in Eilat as the Offline stage was cancelled due to sanitary reasons. At that time only PiKaH, our Tekken representative, managed to qualify. But each year is a new history yet to be built !&nbsp;</p><p>And so we did. All our rosters entered this year’s qualifier with a fresh and determined mind ! Even going through problems such as connection instability or tight planning, esport finds its ways.&nbsp;</p><p>One week later all the teams are qualified and we are really proud of their work and engagement for their country. Representing something of this scale can be stressful and the level of competition being at its highest, there isn’t much room for error.&nbsp;</p><p>But it is now official, we’ve broken a new national record as Belgium managed to qualify all their rosters to Eilat ! Maybe even an international record, but for that we will have to ask for a confirmation from the IESF archives. The Belgian era is now officially on the table.&nbsp;</p><p>Wishing now the best of luck to all our athletes. See you next November at Eilat in Israel, we are hoping for the Belgian esport community to follow us there !</p>

Qualified-to-Eilat.png

BESF achieving a new record at IESF World Championship 13th edition and onto Eila

<p>This Monday 19th was a great step for the federation as this was the day when our press conference and formalization of the new relationship between us and the Loterie Nationale/Nationale Loterij was held. A milestone reached after years of work and development that lead us to be one of the most important and leading federation in the world of esport.&nbsp;</p><p>That conference wasn’t only a milestone for us but for all the esport industry in our country. And that’s why a lot of our journalist colleagues attended the conference.&nbsp;</p><p>From Proximus Pickx, DH Esport, La Libre to SudInfo or even L’Echo, esport made it across the country and that’s only the first steps of a long journey for us.&nbsp;</p><p>Working with the National Lottery is a long term project, this year’s financement will be a first push in the back to help us structurate our industry. First of all by helping professional players to develop nationally with specific legal and financial status.&nbsp;</p><p>Our second big step will correlate with the need to divide gaming and esport by giving birth to the first National Academic Study in Belgium about esport. L’Echo titled “Manque de chiffres” literally “lack of numbers”. It isn’t a surprise to anyone, esports lacks numbers and studies should help us improve a lot. This is why this new injection of funds will support our Study and, with it, great progress in this industry.&nbsp;</p><p>This is a great opportunity for us and only a beginning to a long journey that awaits esports in Belgium and worldwide. So a deep thank you to the National Lottery that believed in our project.</p>

Last news about BESF

BESF and VUB to host third Esp...

BeSF welcomed the seniors of t...

BeSF organised the Esports Fam...

The Belgian Game Awards 2021 o...

BESF achieving a new record at...

Proud to announce our new coll...

Made possible by the players of