Full press release:

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) is proud to announce the launch of the Certified Talent Agents Program, an industry-first initiative designed to recognize and accredit individuals and organizations representing talent in esports, gaming, and entertainment. The program establishes a benchmark for professional conduct, transparency, and ethical representation in line with ESIC’s mission to safeguard players, teams, and organizers across the global ecosystem.

The Certified Talent Agents Program has been developed in coordination with over 15 global agencies in response to longstanding challenges within the sector, where creators and professional players are often vulnerable to poor representation, opaque practices, and financial exploitation. By introducing this certification framework, ESIC aims to promote a trusted, credible minimum standard for agents who are not only focused on commercial opportunities but also committed to developing and protecting the careers of their clients.

Program Components

The program incorporates a benchmark evaluation process to ensure accredited agents meet standards expected of them by the global industry. This includes financial due diligence, insurance currency checks, criminal history checks, and an assessment of prior complaints or disciplinary issues. Accredited participants will also be required to adhere to a Code of Conduct and will carry appropriate indemnity measures, reinforcing accountability and client protection. Together, these measures create a framework that prioritizes trust, ethical representation, and the long-term wellbeing of talent and stakeholders.

Foundation Members

ESIC is proud to announce SEG and Prodigy Agency as foundation members of the Certified Talent Agents Program. Both organizations bring extensive experience and credibility from their leadership in professional athlete and esports talent management. Together, they have accredited 13 agents under the scheme, underscoring a shared commitment to raising professional standards, promoting transparency, and ensuring players and creators receive trusted and ethical representation. By joining as foundation members, SEG and Prodigy Agency help set the benchmark for integrity-driven practices that the Program seeks to establish across the global esports and entertainment industries.

Stephen Hanna, CEO of ESIC, commented:

“The Certified Talent Agents Program represents a significant step forward for the esports industry. By providing a clear, credible accreditation pathway for talent agents, we are addressing an area that has been largely unregulated and often problematic for players. The Program aims to protect players from exploitation by setting international standards for Certified Talent Agents, publishing a verified register, providing fair dispute resolution, and enhancing the credibility of compliant agents and agencies.”

Rowan Stroo, Division Director Esports at SEG, stated:

“Our mission at SEG is to elevate the entire talent management industry, by leading the way in creating new industry standards. That’s why we are thrilled to be a foundational member of ESIC’s Certified Talent Agents Program, as there is still little to no regulation in the esports and gaming ecosystems on many topics, including talent representation. We stay committed to providing professional and quality services for our clients, creating opportunities and maximising their careers, as we have done for over 25 years.”

Jérôme Coupez, Founder and CEO of Prodigy Agency, added:

“At Prodigy, we have always believed that protecting and empowering players must come before everything else. The lack of regulation in our industry has long created risks for players, and we have been leading the charge for years in pushing stakeholders to establish proper standards and official regulations for agents. That is why we are proud to be a founding member of ESIC’s Certified Talent Agents Program. This initiative is a landmark step for our industry, perfectly aligned with our ‘Players First’ vision, and we look forward to helping shape a safer and more transparent future for all players in esports.”

The Certified Talent Agents Program is now open for applications from agents and agencies seeking accreditation. ESIC invites stakeholders across gaming, esports, and entertainment to take part in raising the professional and ethical standard for representation in the industry.

For more information or to apply for accreditation under the Certified Talent Agents Program, visit https://esic.gg/certified-talent-agents/.

About ESIC (Esports Integrity Commission)

ESIC is the recognised guardian of the integrity of esports and works to disrupt, prevent, investigate, and prosecute all forms of cheating and malpractice in esports. Its overarching objective is to protect youth, promote industry investment, and safeguard the sporting integrity of esports. By addressing issues such as cheating, match-fixing, and doping, ESIC works to ensure fair play and integrity across all esports competitions. It collaborates with publishers, tournament organizers, and other stakeholders to establish unified standards for competition integrity, fostering a safe and equitable environment for all participants in the global video games and esports ecosystem.