Esports in Ukraine has long ceased to be just entertainment — today it is a full-fledged industry with significant economic and cultural influence. This is according to Maksym Krippa, an investor who heads the Ukrainian Esports Federation (UESF) and owns the well-known multi-gaming organization NAVI. According to Krippa, interest in esports is not only not declining, but is constantly growing. And we are not just talking about audience growth, but also significant financial progress: for example, in 2022, the value of the Ukrainian esports market reached tens of millions of dollars.
In his commentary for Forbes Ukraine’s special project BrandVoice, Krippa shared his vision of how the industry is changing. He recalled how it all began in Ukraine in the late 1990s: the first small clubs, amateur tournaments, and enthusiastic players for whom participating in competitions was more of a hobby than a profession. But over time, this enthusiasm became the foundation for the formation of a professional esports scene.
In two decades, the industry has come a long way — from small LAN tournaments to an officially recognized sport. And the recognition of esports in 2020 was an important milestone on this journey. It was not just a bureaucratic decision, but confirmation that esports has become an integral part of Ukraine’s sports culture.
Esports on the verge of new changes
According to Maksym Krippa, Ukrainian esports has reached such a level of development that it can now compete with many traditional sports. However, he admits that football remains unrivalled due to its deep cultural roots and huge audience.
“Just 15-20 years ago, esports was an almost unknown niche — a hobby for the select few. Today, the situation has changed: tournament broadcasts attract millions of viewers, and Ukrainian teams and players have achieved high results in international arenas,” said Krippa.
He also emphasized that esports is no longer a “shadow” phenomenon or a temporary trend.
“An industry that was valued at tens of millions of dollars by 2022 is no longer considered ‘underground’. It has become a significant economic system with its own players, audience, and business models,” concluded the UESF president.
From amateur competitions to global recognition: the evolution of Ukrainian esports
Maksym Krippa highlighted the key stages that were decisive in the formation of Ukrainian eSports as a significant social and economic phenomenon. The first real sign of the potential of Ukrainian players was the bronze medal won by the A-Gaming team at the 2009 World Cyber Games. This success on the international stage was a turning point when Ukraine began to be perceived as a serious player in the global esports environment.
But the real breakthrough came in 2011, when the Ukrainian team NAVI won the first ever The International Dota 2 tournament. This triumph cemented Ukraine’s status as one of the leaders in global esports. The following years only strengthened the country’s position, particularly in 2017, when Kyiv hosted one of the largest tournaments, The Kiev Major 3, organized in conjunction with PGL. This was not only a great celebration for fans, but also a shining example of the high level of organization of international events in Ukraine.
The year 2020 was an important milestone: esports was officially recognized as a sport in Ukraine. And in 2021, the first Ukrainian Esports Cup was held, and the UESF received the status of a national federation, which became the basis for the further development of the industry.
In February 2025, Maksym Krippa, investor and owner of NAVI, became the head of the Ukrainian Esports Federation. Right from the start, he outlined a clear vision:
“We don’t want the federation to be just an administrative body. Our goal is to become a driver of development that shapes the future of this industry.”
Krippa emphasized the importance of promoting esports among young people and supporting educational initiatives, from school clubs to student leagues.
