Ian Smith: Esports – a game-changer for sports integrity?

In this episode, Ian Smith, Commissioner of the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC), explores the fast-growing world of esports and its integrity challenges. Drawing from his experience tackling match-fixing in cricket, Ian explains his move into esports, where competitive gaming has surged in popularity, with players earning significant incomes and millions of fans.

Key issues include cheating through software hacks and second-screen monitoring, and match-fixing driven by large betting markets. ESIC addresses these with anti-cheat tools, betting monitoring, and sanctions, though the decentralised nature of esports complicates regulation.

The episode highlights the need for stronger governance as digital worlds grow more immersive.

00:03 - Ian's Background and Journey
12:00 - Understanding eSports and Its Growth
18:00 - Integrity and Corruption in eSports
30:00 - Challenges and Solutions in eSports Governance
40:00 - The Future of Immersive Digital Worlds and Implications