Chapter in Esports Law and Practice Published

Contributing to the First Global Legal Book on Esports

We are proud to share that our chapter titled “Esports – lex sportiva or lex mercatoria?” has been published in the groundbreaking new book, Esports Law and Practice, by Edward Elgar Publishing. This is the first comprehensive legal book dedicated solely to the esports industry. We are honored to have contributed to a work of such academic and practical significance.

The publication, expertly edited by Leonid Shmatenko brings together some of the foremost legal minds and practitioners from around the world. Together, we have tackled a broad spectrum of legal questions arising from one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic global industries — esports.

Our Chapter: A Legal approach to Esports Governance

In our contribution, we explore the critical legal question of what law shall be applied to the industry? Whether esports should be governed under Lex Sportiva or Lex Mercatoria?

This chapter draws on both legal theory and real-world developments to assess how esports tournaments, contracts, and disputes are being regulated in practice. Generally speaking, our chapter is based on our article published earlier and is more detailed and expended.

This raises significant questions for dispute resolution, player rights, integrity enforcement, and the role of governing bodies, if any, in this rapidly evolving ecosystem.

A Shared Academic Milestone

Contributing to this book was both an academic and personal milestone. We extend our sincere thanks to the co-authors and the Edward Elgar Publishing team. We’re especially grateful to Leonid Shmatenko for the trust who included us among the list of contributors.

The Importance

Esports is not just entertainment — it’s an evolving legal territory that challenges existing norms and demands a unique regulatory response. Whether you’re a legal professional, academic, or industry insider, understanding its legal foundations is essential.