The Ukrainian Esports Federation (UESF) is entering a new chapter under the leadership of businessman Maksym Krippa, a prominent investor and entrepreneur known for his contributions to the esports and gaming industries. As the owner of NAVI, an investor in Maincast, and the new proprietor of GSC Game World, Krippa now takes the helm of the organization and is responsible for shaping the future of esports in Ukraine.
According to Ukrainian.co.ua, this leadership change occurred amid a critical period for the Ukrainian esports market, which was valued at $20–30 million before the war but has since faced substantial disruptions. Krippa, in an exclusive confirmation to Forbes Ukraine, acknowledged his new role and expressed a strong commitment to revitalizing the sector. His extensive experience in esports investments positions him as a key figure in driving strategic improvements and fostering industry growth.
Restructuring and Strategic Vision for UESF
The official announcement regarding the Federation’s restructuring is expected soon, with notable figures from Ukraine’s esports industry assuming key roles. One of the first changes includes the appointment of Andriy Gryshchenko, formerly responsible for esports events at NAVI, as the Federation’s Executive Director.
The newly formed leadership team will feature representatives from the country’s leading esports organizations, including NAVI and Maincast. Among them:
- Evgeny Zolotarev – CEO of NAVI
- Vitaliy Volochay – Co-founder of Maincast
- Mykhailo Zverev – Maincast analyst and commentator
- Andrii Gorodenskyi – NAVI coach
- Oleksiy Kucherov – Chief Operating Officer of NAVI
Their collective expertise and deep industry knowledge are expected to drive UESF’s growth, aligning it with global esports standards and fostering local talent development.
Expanding the Federation’s Mission
Traditionally, UESF has focused on creating regulatory frameworks for Ukrainian esports, securing sponsorships, and organizing national tournaments. Its role has been pivotal in establishing esports as a competitive industry and promoting it as an integral part of modern digital culture.
Under Krippa’s leadership, the Federation is expected to take on a more ambitious agenda. The new president aims to elevate Ukrainian esports by:
- Strengthening international cooperation to position Ukraine as a hub for esports events
- Attracting global sponsors and investors to accelerate industry recovery
- Developing state-of-the-art esports hubs to provide better infrastructure for players
- Innovating tournament formats to ensure fair and competitive selection processes
- Expanding youth and student esports programs to cultivate new generations of players
Given Krippa’s background in esports broadcasting and event production through Maincast, the Federation will likely integrate cutting-edge technology into tournament management, content distribution, and player development.
A Transparent Path Forward
One of the key initiatives Krippa has highlighted is the need for a structured national esports championship system. Establishing a transparent mechanism for selecting top talent will be crucial in assembling a competitive Ukrainian national team for international events.
Additionally, UESF’s revised strategy may introduce socially impactful initiatives, including esports programs for reintegrating veterans and individuals affected by war. By leveraging gaming as a tool for social cohesion, the Federation aims to create opportunities beyond professional competition.
Krippa acknowledges that while the long-term funding strategy is still under discussion, he remains focused on immediate priorities: improving communication within the esports community, expanding the number of disciplines under UESF’s jurisdiction, and fostering a professional environment that attracts players and investors.
Photo by Alex Haney on Unsplash ( Free for commercial use)
Image published on January 20, 2019
