TURNING COMPETITION INTO COMMUNITY.
From athlete to global sport builder. Former Director General of the International Judo Federation and President of the International Esports Federation. Twenty years connecting cultures, federations, and athletes across 150 countries.
TURNING COMPETITION INTO COMMUNITY.
From athlete to global sport builder. Former Director General of the International Judo Federation and President of the International Esports Federation. Twenty years connecting cultures, federations, and athletes across 150 countries.
MILESTONES & MEMORIES
First Karate Trophy
At age 7, earned his first karate trophy - a small victory marking the beginning of his journey as a competitor and martial artist. Went on to become American Champion 7 times, learning dedication and discipline early.
First Public Speech
At just 11 years old, stepped onto a stage for the first time to deliver a public speech - the beginning of his journey as a communicator. These early experiences helped shape his ability to connect with diverse audiences worldwide.
First Computer
Got his first computer, sparking a new passion for technology and digital innovation. This planted the early seeds of what would later become a lifelong connection to esports, gaming culture, and the intersection of sport and technology.
Water Polo Championships
Team Captain at Army and Navy Academy, earning numerous championships and recognition. Named top offensive player in 2001 and top defensive player in 2002, demonstrating versatility and leadership both in and out of pool.
Army Navy Academy Graduate
Graduated as Alpha Company Commander with rank of Cadet Captain from the prestigious military academy. The Academy instilled structure, resilience and leadership that shaped his professional career.
Oxford Brookes University
Attended Oxford Brookes University while working for the European Judo Union - beginning his journey in international sport administration. Balanced academic studies with hands-on federation management experience.
International Judo Federation - Assistant to President
Begins tenure with IJF as Assistant to President, a pivotal step into international sports administration. Helped transform Judo from Category E to C Olympic Sport, growing to 20 annual events.
First Olympics - Beijing
Works at his first Olympic Games in Beijing - a transformative moment revealing the unifying power of sport on the world stage. Realized his true passion: bringing people together through competition and shared excellence.
Director of Presidential Office, IJF
Promoted to Director of Presidential Office at the International Judo Federation. Oversaw strategic operations and coordination during a critical growth period for the sport worldwide.
General Director, SportAccord
Became General Director of SportAccord, overseeing coordination among all international sports federations. Organized World Combat Games in St. Petersburg and World Mind Games in Beijing.
President, RSportz
Founded RSportz as an entrepreneurial venture, providing comprehensive IT solutions for Federations and Organizations to digitize competitions and fan engagement. Innovation in sport extends beyond the field of play.
Family Time
Supported family business ventures in California - Beauty Shops, Beauty School, Skin Care Line, and Hair Color Line. Family has always remained close to the heart, grounding him through every milestone.
Global Esports Summit
Keynote speaker at the Global Esports Executive Summit in Korea, sharing insights on federation building and sport governance. Helped cement his role as a thought leader in the rapidly evolving competitive gaming landscape.
Sharing the Passion
Teaching a young girl karate, sharing his passion for sport with the next generation through hands-on mentorship. Demonstrating that skill, discipline, and confidence can be passed on to anyone, regardless of age, background, or starting point.
President, US Esports Federation
Helped the organization gain official recognition from IESF and international legitimacy. Founded the Pan-American eSports Federation to expand the movement across the Americas.
Chief Marketing & Media Officer, IJF
Returned to IJF as Chief Marketing & Media Officer, driving modernization of Judo's global brand and media strategy. Spearheaded broadcasting expansion and digital transformation.
President, IESF
Became President of the International eSports Federation during a pivotal moment, marking a global milestone in professionalizing competitive gaming. Focused on athlete protection, fair play, and sustainable structures.
Director General, IJF
Promoted to Director General of IJF, the highest administrative position within the federation. Led modernization efforts overseeing branding, strategic partnerships, TV rights, IT strategy, and global expansion.
Honorary Doctorate
Received Honorary Doctorate from United States Sports Academy in recognition of outstanding contributions to international sport development. Acknowledged leadership across traditional and emerging sports.
World Esports Championship - Bali
Organized the largest event in esports history with unprecedented reach and viewership. 3.4M hours watched, 650K peak viewers. Set a new standard for scale and professionalism.
World Esports Championship - Romania
Record-breaking participation from 130 Nations across all continents. Women CS:GO Champions shared the stage with Armin van Buuren, celebrating diversity in competitive gaming.
Sport Forum Hungary
Participated in Sport Forum Hungary, contributing to high-level discussions on the future of international sport and governance. Shared insights on digital transformation and federation management.
Paris Olympics
At the Paris Olympics, his presence reinforced an enduring vision built over two decades in international sport. Continued to champion the power of sport to inspire communities, connect cultures, and transform lives around the world.
BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH SPORT
Born in Romania and raised in the United States, Vlad Marinescu's life has been defined by sport, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to international unity through competition. From a young age, he excelled as both an athlete and a leader. At the Army Navy Academy in Carlsbad, California, Vlad graduated as Cadet Captain and Company Commander, instilling in him values of discipline, responsibility, and service. He later pursued his studies in business and finance at Oxford Brookes University in the UK, equipping himself with the tools to navigate the complex world of global sport.
As an athlete, Vlad became a seven-time American champion in karate and a Junior Olympic champion in water polo, achievements that reflect not only talent but also resilience, perseverance, and adaptability across disciplines. His competitive mindset transitioned seamlessly into the world of sports administration, where he quickly rose through the ranks of the International Judo Federation (IJF).
When Vlad first joined the IJF, international judo events were modest: one competition every two years, broadcast in only a handful of countries. Through his leadership, vision, and tireless work, that landscape transformed. Today, the IJF proudly organizes 19 world-class events per year, broadcast in over 150 countries—a leap that turned judo into a global spectacle.
Recognized for his energy, strategy, and innovation, Vlad was appointed Director General of the International Judo Federation, playing a key role in modernizing the sport. He drove progress in event organization, sponsorship, marketing, television production, and rights distribution. His success led to a broader role at SportAccord, where he contributed to the restructuring of international sports federations and guided the development of the renowned SportAccord Convention.
But Vlad's impact doesn't stop with traditional sport. With a forward-thinking mindset, he embraced the digital era, becoming President of the International Esports Federation (IESF) and President of the United States Esports Federation (USEF). In this space, he has worked tirelessly to unify the fragmented esports ecosystem, advocating for fair play, recognition, and structure within one of the fastest-growing movements in modern sport.
For more than 20 years, Vlad has dedicated himself to bridging cultures, industries, and generations through sport. Whether on the tatami, in the boardroom, or behind the scenes of the world's largest sporting events, he has proven to be a force of energy and strategy—a leader whose story is still being written.
PREPARING FOR PURPOSE
TRUSTED TO LEAD
International Judo Federation
2021 - 2025Director General & Board Member
Led the complete modernization of Judo, overseeing branding, strategic partnerships, TV rights, IT strategy, and global expansion. Transformed the sport from 1 event every 2 years to 19 annual world-class events broadcast in 150+ countries. Worked at 5 Olympic Games (Beijing, London, Rio, Tokyo, Paris). Created the World Judo Tour series consisting of Grand Prix, Grand Slams, World Masters, and Judo Pro League. Established broadcasting partnerships including RMC Sport for France coverage.
International Esports Federation
2020 - 2023President
Increased budget and prize money 10x ($55,000 to $500,000). Organized Bali 2022 World Esports Championship - the biggest esports event in history with 3.4M hours watched and 650K peak concurrent viewers. United the fragmented esports ecosystem and grew membership from 70 to 130+ nations. Founded the Pan-American eSports Federation. Established partnerships with Asian Electronic Sport Federation, International School Sports Federation, and World Esports Consortium. Created dedicated commissions for Education, Tolerance, Athletes, and Publishers. Board grew 200% during tenure.
SportAccord (GAISF)
2013 - 2015General Director
Managed the umbrella organization for all International Sport Federations with a 25-person administration team. Organized World Combat Games 2013 in St. Petersburg (15 combat sports) and World Mind Games 2013-2014 in Beijing (5 mind sports). Launched Sports United - a weekly 15-minute sport news show broadcast on Euronews in 150 countries and 13 languages. Developed World Beach Games and World Urban Games concepts. Organized SportAccord Convention and IF Forum. Left organization with over $3.7M in reserves.
RSportz Inc.
2015 - 2019President
Founded and led sports technology company, responsible for global partnerships, investor relations, and strategic direction. Built the leading platform for sport organizations to manage memberships and events. Secured long-term partnerships with International Sport Federations representing over 150 million athletes. Managed day-to-day operations, business development, and organized multiple events through the platform.
United States Esports Federation
2018 - 2020President
Foundation board member and president of the United States recognized national governing body of eSports. United all stakeholders to protect athletes and promote sustainable esports development. Launched educational programs including 'Armour On' teaching responsible gaming through nutrition, physical health, and psychology modules. Organized events in cooperation with Amateur Athletics Union, established qualification circuit for World Championships, and managed Team USA participation. Gained official IESF recognition and founded the Pan-American eSports Federation.
European Judo Union
2005 - 2007Assistant to President
Beginning of international sport career while studying at Oxford Brookes University. Office staff 2003-2005.
BUILDING TOGETHER
SportAccord (GAISF)
SportAccord is the global sports event and association representing international federations and organizations. It hosts the annual SportAccord Convention, a gathering of leaders across sport, business, and media to discuss innovation, governance, and the future of international sport. Vlad served as General Director, managing all member federations and organizing major multi-sport events. Under his leadership, the organization strengthened collaboration among federations worldwide, facilitating knowledge sharing and promoting best practices in sports governance and administration.
Euronews - Sports United
Historic media partnership launched in 2015 featuring a weekly 15-minute sports news show broadcast in 150 countries and 13 languages, reaching 415 million households worldwide. The collaboration between Euronews and the union of 92 International Sports Federations showcased all sports to a global audience through news, features, interviews, and event insights. The groundbreaking program brought unprecedented visibility to Olympic and non-Olympic sports alike, strengthening the global sports community and creating lasting impact across international federations.
World Combat Games
The World Combat Games is a multi-sport event bringing together combat and martial arts disciplines from around the globe. Established to celebrate tradition, skill, and cultural heritage, the Games highlight Olympic and non-Olympic combat sports, showcasing athletes at the highest level of competition. Vlad organized the 2013 edition in St. Petersburg featuring 15 combat sports disciplines.
World Mind Games
Multi-sport event celebrating intellectual competition across 5 mind sports: Chess, Bridge, Draughts, Go, and Xiangqi. Vlad organized the 2013 and 2014 editions in Beijing, achieving 50% media growth year-over-year. The event set new benchmarks for mind sports broadcasting and global audience engagement across all media platforms, elevating the profile of intellectual sports worldwide.
Olympic Games
The International Olympic Committee was founded in 1894 and is responsible for the Olympic Games and the Olympic Movement. Its mission is to promote Olympism worldwide, support athlete development, and unite nations through sport, friendship, and fair play. Vlad has worked at five Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024) as part of the International Judo Federation delegation.
eSuperliga Romania
eSuperliga Romania is the premier EA SPORTS FC competition in Romania, officially recognized by EA SPORTS and the Romanian Professional Football League (LPF). Bringing together the country's 16 top football clubs in a dynamic, professional esports format, the league blends the passion of traditional football with the energy of competitive gaming. After its debut season, eSuperliga has already achieved impressive digital engagement and strong audience growth, positioning itself as one of the most promising and innovative esports leagues in Eastern Europe. The competition attracts a young, digitally active audience and offers international exposure through pathways to the eChampions League and FIFAe World Cup.
Professional Milestones
HONORED TO RECEIVE
Honorary Doctorate (PhD)
2021United States Sports Academy
Awarded Honorary Doctorate in recognition of exceptional contributions to international sport development, leadership across traditional and emerging sports, and dedication to advancing the global sports community. Presentation held virtually in 2021 as part of the Academy's annual Awards of Sport program. This prestigious recognition acknowledges over two decades of transformative work in international sport governance and administration.
Next 10 Under 30
Early CareerSport Business
Recognized by Sport Business as one of the "Next 10 Under 30" emerging leaders in the sports industry. This award highlighted early career achievements in sports administration, innovative approaches to federation management, and pioneering work in modernizing international sport organizations.
Athletic Achievements
Karate Championships
• 7x American Champion
• Romanian Vice Champion
• Multiple California State Champion
• Multiple West Coast Champion
• Black Belt Martial Artist
Water Polo Championships
• Junior Olympic Champion
• Team Captain, Army Navy Academy
• Best Offensive Player 2001
• Best Defensive Player 2002
• Highest Scorer in League 2003
SHARING KNOWLEDGE
Lectures & Public Speaking
Guest lecturer and speaker at leading sports management institutions and international events, covering topics including Event Management, Broadcasting, Governance, Recognition, TV Rights and Media, Sponsorship, and International Federation Management.
AISTS Masters in Sport
Guest lecturer at the International Academy of Sports Science and Technology, the world's leading postgraduate program in sports management, delivering insights on international federation management and global sports governance.
FIFA Masters in Sport
Speaker at FIFA's prestigious executive education program, sharing expertise on broadcasting strategies, TV rights negotiation, and the business of international sport with future leaders of the sports industry, providing practical knowledge from global sport administration.
TIAS University
Lecturer at one of Europe's leading business schools, providing practical knowledge on sports event management, sponsorship activation, and the operational challenges of running international sports organizations.
MESGO
Contributing faculty for the Executive Master in Sport Governance program, teaching governance frameworks, ethical leadership, and best practices in international federation administration to senior sports executives.
University of Southern California
Guest speaker at USC's renowned Sports Management Program, delivering lectures on the intersection of traditional sports and esports, digital transformation, and the evolving landscape of international sports competition, preparing future leaders for the digital age.
International Sport Federations Forum
Regular speaker at the IF Forum, addressing federation presidents and secretaries general on topics including revenue generation, media rights strategy, and navigating the complex relationship between IFs and the Olympic movement.
SportAccord Convention
Keynote presenter at the world's premier gathering of international sports federations, sharing insights on multi-sport event organization, global expansion strategies, and the future of international sports governance.
International Esports Summit
Thought leader at major esports conferences worldwide, presenting on federation building, athlete protection, responsible gaming initiatives, and the path to mainstream recognition and Olympic inclusion for esports.
Asia Pacific Broadcast Union
Expert speaker on sports broadcasting and media production, sharing knowledge on TV signal production, rights distribution strategies, and maximizing broadcast reach across diverse international markets and platforms.
Host City Conference
Speaker on major event hosting and city partnerships, sharing insights on organizing world-class sporting events, stakeholder management, and maximizing the legacy and impact of international competitions for host cities.
Global Esports Executive Summit
Keynote speaker addressing global esports development, federation building, and the professionalization of competitive gaming. Presented on sustainable growth strategies, athlete protection frameworks, and the evolution of esports governance worldwide.
Publications & Documentation
Author of standardization documentation for International Sport Federations, providing comprehensive guides and frameworks adopted globally by sports organizations.
Event Organization Guide (EOG)
Comprehensive framework for international sport event management and execution
Television Organization Guide (TVG)
Standard protocols for broadcast production and media rights management
Multi-Sport Event Guide
Best practices for organizing and managing multi-sport competitions
Partnership Presentation Books
Strategic partnership frameworks for GAISF and International Judo Federation
Esports 101
University course guide for esports education and industry fundamentals