NEWS: First eSports Arbitration Court announced by WESA

The World eSports Association (WESA) has announced the introduction and implementation of the very first eSports Arbitration Court.

The Court will be an alternative to litigation which can be very costly and often viewed as too lengthy for sporting scenarios whether that be eSports or traditional sports. WESA, which currently governs tournaments for ESL's Pro League, has stated that the Court will be open to everyone involved in eSports, a move which is likely to broaden WESA's reach.

The Court's role will be to resolve a number of disputes, in a timely and cost-effective manner, including contracts, financial pay-outs, player representation and integrity allegations. It will consist of a 3 person panel with the option for a sole arbitrator, if appropriate, and all decisions will be final with no appeals process. That's not to say, of course, that parties are stuck with whatever the panel decides and in some cases, there will be real grounds of appeal via litigation, usually on the basis of:

1. Lack of jurisdiction
2. Serious irregularity affecting the arbitrators, the proceedings, or final award 
3. A point of law

Alternative Dispute Resolution is a good thing and most definitely required in eSports, and whilst the Court may not be completely independent, given it's association with WESA, it is certainly a step in the right direction for providing a body to which all involved in eSports can submit disputes to without the expensive and time-consuming restraints which go hand-in-hand with litigation.

Further information regarding the eSports Arbitration Court and how to submit a complaint can be found here.