ORGANIZATIONAL AND LEGAL SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF E-SPORTS IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the organizational and legal support for the development of e-sports in Ukraine. The following are considered: the impact of the war (staff outflow, loss of sponsors), psychological and physical risks for players (stress, addiction, exhaustion), imperfection of the legislation (lack of norms for contracts, IP, protection of minors), chaotic development due to weak regulation. International experience (Korea, China, USA, EU) demonstrates hybrid models of regulation that can be adapted. In Ukraine, the development is provided by the E-Sports Federation (UESF) and UPEA through tournaments, education, social projects, but there is a lack of state funding. Areas of improvement: media campaigns, investments ($20 million/year), infrastructure (arenas, hotels), visa simplification, benefits, educational programs, self-regulation. Particular attention is paid to the legal aspects of the industry: the lack of special norms in the legislation, the problems of concluding contracts between players and clubs, the protection of intellectual property rights, anti-doping control and regulation of the activities of minors. The role of leading organizations – the Ukrainian Esports Federation (UESF) and the Ukrainian Professional Esports Association (UPEA) – in the formation of the national esports ecosystem through the holding of competitions, the creation of educational programs, social projects and international representation is analyzed. It is concluded that esports in Ukraine has a high potential for economic growth, digital transformation and social adaptation of youth, however, its further development requires systemic state regulation, legal certainty, attraction of private capital and integration of international standards. The article is of scientific and practical interest for specialists in the field of law, sports, public administration and information technologies.