E-sports: From a legal Perspective

Abstract

E-sports is a modern phenomenon that has been fast spreading throughout the world on both the national and international level. Yet, many Arab countries still lack a comprehensive legal regulation of such a phenomenon. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the E-sports phenomenon from a legal perspective to identify its significance, importance, nature and relationship with electronic games along with the extent to which such a phenomenon could be deemed a sports activity, in light of the standards adopted by the International Olympic Committee for the recognition of sports activities.

Moreover, the study examines the legal challenges facing the E-sports in the national legal system, such as professional player contracts, sponsorship contracts, licensing contracts for exploitation, and the protection of intellectual property. The study further attempts to highlight the challenges that impede the progress, growth and development of E-sports whether in Arab countries or on the international level. It finally concludes with a set of proposals to tackle all of these challenges.