In an official press statement, the GEF stated that the partnership is in line with EOC��s goal of searching for various ways to connect and engage with Europe��s young audience.?

?��The Global Esports Federation confirmed a strategic partnership with the European Olympic Committees (EOC),�� the statement read.?

?��In line with the growing convergence of sport and esports, this partnership will further amplify the GEF��s efforts to promote, expand and develop esports across Europe. The partnership also forms part of the EOC��s initiatives to explore new ways of engaging with young people across the continent.��?

?The partnership will see both parties work together in developing several avenues to breach the gap between sport and esports. One such opportunity is the addition of esports to the European Games, which are set to be held in Krak��w-Ma?opolska, Poland, in 2023.? ?

��Welcome, Europe to #worldconnected?The European Olympic Committees (@EOCmedia) partners with the GEF to develop #esports in Europe,�� Global Esports Federation tweeted.?

?��We’re set to see esports staged at the European Games Esports Championships at the #EuropeanGames2023 in Poland.��?

The European continent has birthed some of the world’s most successful esports and gaming companies, such as G2 Esports, Dignitas, Fnatic, ESL, and a lot more. The strategic partnership between the GEF and EOC will look to position the continent as a global gaming and esports center.?

?The development comes after a recent resolution was voted to pass by the European Union for the recognition of the value of the esports and gaming industries. The EU parliament also recommended the creation of a long-term strategy to aid and fund the industries.?

?The President of the Global Esports Federation, Chris Chan, spoke about the partnership with the EOC. He referenced the inclusion of esports in the 2022 Commonwealth Games hosted by Birmingham as a landing pad the partnership will build on.

?��Together, we are committed to expanding esports, creating new modes of entertainment that engage new audiences, and offer inspiring and innovative formats for esports,�� Chan said.? ?

��The success of the recent Commonwealth Esports Championships at Birmingham 2022, demonstrated these opportunities in service to youth and we are looking forward to adding to this through our partnership with the European Olympic Committees.��? ?

The President of the European Olympic Committees, Spyros Capralos, also commented on the strategic partnership, highlighting the EOC’s short-term and long-term goals.

��The European Olympic Committees looks forward to this strategic partnership with the Global Esports Federation as we explore the significant growth of esports across our European family,�� Capralos said.?

?��Through this partnership we also focus on promoting sport and the Olympic values, while establishing links with all EOC activities and exploring new forms for fan engagement. Europe is one of the growing regions in the development of esports. The partnership with the GEF will help to evolve, build, and shape our strategy around esports.�� ?

This is not the GEF��s first partnership with regional bodies in its bid to expand the esports industry. The organization entered into an agreement with the West Midlands region in England in June, proposing to turn it into an esports hub. The core of the partnership hinged on the creation of a research center, the production of reports, and the hosting of esports tournaments and events.?

?Like the GEF, the International Esports Federation (IeSF) is also on the path of popularizing and expanding esports. Both federations are poised to get esports recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as part of its list of official sports.

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?During the last weekend of the Birmingham event, the inaugural Commonwealth Esports Championships took place to weigh the possibility of the activity becoming part of the Games. The organizers have confirmed 16 sports for the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Australia. Three to four slots are available in the final program to be filled by the end of September.?

?The Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), Katie Sadleir, spoke on the CGF’s long-term partnership with the Global Esports Federation.

“We signed an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with the Global Esports Federation, which doesn’t stop after this Games. It’s a long-term commitment to learning, transferring knowledge,”? she said.

?Sadleir further revealed that the federation would review the next move concerning esports and the Commonwealth Games. She added that she would ensure the situation they end up with is a plus for both parties.?

��It��s not just about whether or not we would like esports in the Games; it��s also about whether or not esports wants to be inside the Games,�� Sadleir said.?

?This year��s Commonwealth Games took place in Birmingham and featured sporting activities ranging from athletics to rhythmic gymnastics. Due to the full physical activity nature of the games, it is understandable that including esports in the events could be a little strange.? ?

One of the matches in the Commonwealth Esports Championships was Australia against Singapore in the women��s Dota 2 bronze medal match. Each team consisted of five players, all of whom were equipped with computers and headsets. The activity also had a live commentary while the video game��s multiplayer battle arena was projected on a large overhead screen.?

?At the moment, the esports scene worldwide is dominated by Asia and North America and is worth US$2 billion. Several bodies govern the sports, with Global Esports Federation leading this event. Like athletes representing their various countries, the esports players are not involved in the background politics, but they are excited to be competing on such world stage. ? ?

Malaysian esports players had a great outing in the Commonwealth Games. They went home with three gold medals from their various events. Johor Darul Ta��zim, the Malaysian Super League champions, were represented by Nor Haikal Noh. The player clinched the first gold medal in the eFootball grand final when he won 2-0 against his Scottish opponent.? ?

The second gold medal the country won was in the Dota 2 women’s event. The female squad won 2-0 against England. The team of five included Wong “HG” Wei Sian, Nadrah “Nada” Saufi, Bette “iStarx” Chia, Tan “Shizuma” Lyn Xhin, and Stephanie “Auroraa” Lim.?

?The country��s third gold medal came from the men’s Dota 2 team, which defeated England 2-1 in the grand final on Sunday. The team was represented by Ahmad “Ahyad” Ayhad Husam, William “MangO” Yeoh, Chung “Ws” Wei Shen, Denise “Wonder’boy” DanialAbdullah, Yong “LOyd” Bing Jie and Pang “ponyo” Sze Xuan.

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The Global Esports Games will make their stop in Dubai, making it the fifth city to host them. GEF has previously stated that Singapore, Istanbul, and Riyadh will serve as 2021 hosts. Subsequently, it was disclosed that China will host the games in 2024, while the United States will host the Global Esports Games in 2026.

The UAE had already been announced as the host country in 2025, with the GEF now confirming Dubai as the actual location.

Dota 2, Street Fighter V, and eFootball PES 2021 contests were held during the opening ceremony of the Global Esports Games in Singapore, with players and teams participating in?their respective regions. The competition’s games?for the upcoming event in Istanbul are yet to be disclosed.

The GEF also organizes the Global Esports Tour, a series of professional esports competitions held in cities around the world throughout the year. The tour recently concluded with a $250,000?CS:GO event,?won by Ninjas in Pyjamas from Sweden.

The iconic announcement came in front of a huge crowd at the GET Dubai with?Abdulla Al Gurg, Vice-President of Emirates Esports, Chair of the GEF Digital Transformation Commission, and Founder of Esports Management Group (EMG), the Secretary-General, Saeed Al Taher, and Emirates Esports Board Members.

Chris Chan, President of the GEF, has?sent a goodwill message to the citizens of Dubai, stating that they are thrilled to be hosting the event in its vicinity.

“Congratulations Dubai and the people of the?United Arab Emirates. The Global Esports Federation is delighted to confirm?Dubai?as the host of our global flagship property �C the Global Esports Games �C in?December 2025. Once again, the eyes of the world, the energy, and passion of our #worldconnected community will light up?Dubai, the UAE, and the region,” he said.

The GEF’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul J. Foster, said they are delighted to see how far the establishment has come since joining a Strategic Framework Agreement with Emirates Esports to explore possibilities and expand esports in the area.

“We are excited to see the incredible progress since our signing of a Strategic Framework Agreement with Emirates Esports at Expo 2020 Dubai last November, to unlock opportunities and develop esports in the region. The world will once again unite in?Dubai?with the city confirmed to host the Global Esports Games in 2025,” he added.

“The whole world knows that?Dubai?is a great host and offers an epic world-class setting. We can’t wait to see athletes from across the world �C standing on center stage at the GEF Arena in?December 2025?�C as they compete for the glory of their home country flag, the fans at home and in the stands, and the chance to show the world their many skills, talents, their personal journey and desire to compete.”