The two proposed topics for the 2023 version, which is established in partnership with the Busan Metropolitan University and the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations, are these:

"Esports Toxicity: The Challenge, Evidence and Solutions", and "Managing Harassment in Esports – The Role of Accountability and Standards to Address the Harassment".

Current undergraduate students and members of the world sports family with a bachelor’s degree are invited to conduct research on the topic and to submit their findings.

IESF secretary general Boban Totovski said: "We look forward to the return of the WE Academia Competition in 2023.

"The annual initiative helps to encourage new and relevant academic research within the esports ecosystem and contributes to the overall growth and development of the industry.

"Together we can use esports as a catalyst for change and help create a welcoming environment for the entire World Esports Family."

The prize for the winner is a certificate from the IESF Acting President HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud and $2,985 (£2,460/€2,840).

Second and third place will also receive a certificate and $1,492 (£1,230/€1,420) and $745 (£615/€710) respectively.

The research results will be posted on the World Esports Archive.

The application submission period is now open until December 3.

Submissions will be reviewed between December 18 and 22.

More information for submissions can be found at  WE Academia Competition 23 - IESF and submissions can be made here: WE Academia Competition 23 - Formstack

In 2022, the two relevant fields were "Diversification of Esports Events for the Guarantee of Right for the Disabled" and "Using Self-sustainable Energy Generation as a Multi-functional strategy to improve the overall health, wellness and well-being of esports athletes."