An Opening Ceremony was held prior to competition taking place in the four game titles, DOTA 2, CS:GO, Tekken 7 and eFootball PES Series, as well as the promoted titled Audition.

National flagbearers were invited on stage at the venue here, before Local Government officials, organisers of the Maccabiah Games and the IESF officially declared the Finals open.

Marinescu thanked the efforts of organisers to ensure the World Championship Finals could be held in person this year, with the COVID-19 pandemic having forced an early conclusion to last year’s event.

The series concluded with regional finals, with Eilat’s hosting of the World Championship Finals pushed back to this year.

Marinescu, who also serves at the International Judo Federation director general, used his speech to highlight similar values of esports and traditional sports.

He praised the work of National Federations to promote esports in the traditional sporting environment, before calling on players to follow the event’s values.

"I want to mention the publishers for working side by side with us and allowing the world to be entertained during this very difficult moment, the COVID pandemic," Marinescu said.

"We are very fortunate to be able to host this event in person and it is an absolute joy for the IESF to be here.

"At this very moment in history esports can be seen around the world and it is important the quality we are offering is of the highest level to the community who is watching this and having fun at home.

"Esports was the reason why during the pandemic we were able to support the mental health of people, we were connecting still.

"Last year we proved that by hosting the online World Championships."

"On behalf of the IESF Board I would like to thank the National Federations and their presidents for their hard work in ensuring a gaming environment for players, as well as proposing and promoting us in the family of traditional sports.

"As a traditional athletes and as an esports gamer as a kid, there is one thing that unites traditional sports and esports, that is friendship.

"My message to the athletes is enjoy yourselves and remember you are the heart of the esports ecosystem, remember you are the stars of your countries, the influencers and the people who lead the way.

"You are an example that in this life you have to have fun and enjoy yourself, but also have to live a healthy life physically, mentally and socially.

"Please promote those values."

Marinescu highlighted the growth of the IESF and the World Championships during his opening speech.

The IESF President, elected to the role on a permanent basis earlier this year, revealed the organisation now boasts 111 Member Federations.

He said nearly 10,000 players from 85 nations had participated in the World Championships this year, with qualifiers held over four months.

A total of 164 players from 40 nations are competing at the finals here.

A total prize purse of $55,000 (£40,000/€48,000) will be on offer, while the best National Federation are due to be crowned on Friday (November 19).

Marinescu confirmed the host of next year’s World Championship Finals will be announced during the Closing Ceremony.

The bid process for the 2022 event was launched back in May.