“The future contributors to GDP are gaming now”: Global Esports Federation President & CEO challenges governments to recognise esports’ economic potential

Drawing on 25 years in the Olympic movement, Sir Paul J. Foster tells Jude Ower why governments and businesses should recognise esports' growing economic and social influence.

Esports is becoming an increasingly important economic opportunity for governments and businesses, according to Sir Paul J. Foster, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Global Esports Federation. Speaking to Jude Ower on the latest episode of the Good Game Club podcast, released on 5 November and recorded at Gamescom 2026, Foster argues that the convergence of sport, technology and youth culture is creating new opportunities for national economies, international investment and future careers.

“The future contributors to the GDP of your individual countries are gaming now,” says Foster. “There's a real economic upside to that.” He believes esports is entering a new phase of maturity, with governments, commercial partners and cities increasingly recognising its potential. 

Having spent 25 years in the Olympic movement, including working on 14 Olympic Games, Foster brings a distinctive perspective to esports' growing global influence. The Global Esports Federation now has 181 Member Federations, with the Global Esports Games heading to Los Angeles in December 2026, ahead of the city's 2028 Olympic Games. Foster highlights the importance of national representation, emerging talent and international investment as esports becomes increasingly established on the world stage.

 “I think we're living in the most exciting time in the history of our community and our industry, because of the convergence of sport, esports, technology and youth culture,” he says.

Beyond its economic potential, Foster challenges traditional perceptions of gaming's social value, highlighting the skills developed through competitive play, including strategic thinking, teamwork, communication and resilience. 

The conversation also explores how esports can create career pathways, connect communities and mobilise players around social causes. Foster encourages industry leaders to move beyond outdated stereotypes and focus on tangible impact, arguing that the sector must move from innovation to impact as it grows in global influence.

Good Game Club is hosted by industry leaders Jude Ower MBE, Chief Strategy Officer at PlanetPlay, and Mathias Gredal Nørvig, CEO of SYBO. It is supported by the Dubai Films & Games Commission, Tencent and Xsolla, working together to shape a more positive future through the power of games.

Sir Paul J. Foster | The Rise of Esports: Careers, Competition and Global Growth is released on 5 November and can be watched here.  For more information, please visit Linktree or contact comms@goodgame.club.