The European gaming community is abuzz with excitement as the inaugural European Games Esports Championships (#EGE23) gets underway in Katowice. The event, organized by the Global Esports Federation (GEF) and the European Olympic Committees (EOC), is set to showcase the best esports athletes and teams from across Europe. With the aim of bridging the gap between traditional sports and esports, #EGE23 promises to be a landmark event in the region’s sporting calendar.
President Andrzej Duda gave a special speech in Katowice and inaugurated the event:
Thank you on behalf of all people in Katowice. The fact that the first European Games in Esports are taking place here is a tribute to the development of this city. I wish you victories and great emotions! Let the signal go out to the world that the Esports Games have been opened.
Running from June 30 to July 2, #EGE23 will take place at the prestigious International Congress Center in Katowice, Poland. This state-of-the-art venue, renowned for hosting major esports tournaments, will serve as the epicenter of digital competition for the duration of the event. As the European Games in Kraków and the Małopolska region of Poland also take place during this period, esports athletes will have the unique opportunity to compete alongside 7,000 athletes representing 48 nations and territories.
The GEFestival, a prominent part of #EGE23, offers attendees a wide array of exciting activities. One of the highlights is the OKSE – Central Europe Gaming & E-careers Congress, which is the longest-running cyclical conference on gaming industries and related branches in Central and Eastern Europe. In collaboration with the Marshal’s Office of the Silesian Voivodeship, the conference has expanded its focus to include business and economic aspects of the gaming industry. Professionals, academics, and government representatives will converge at the International Congress Center to exchange knowledge and experiences.
Beyond the educational and networking opportunities, attendees will have the chance to engage in various intriguing activities. The “Just Dance” game tournament, organized in collaboration with the Polish Dancing Association, invites participants to showcase their dance skills in a spirited competition. For those seeking a nostalgic experience, a retro gaming zone will be available, allowing attendees to indulge in classic games that have withstood the test of time. Esports enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to witness the University Esports League, where the best university teams will battle it out for a coveted trophy. Additionally, the city of Katowice and the Marshal’s Office have prepared chill zones, offering a perfect space for networking, relaxation, and casual conversations.
What makes #EGE23 even more enticing is that admission to the event is complimentary. This inclusive approach ensures that gaming enthusiasts, professionals, and curious individuals can all partake in the excitement surrounding the championships without any barriers.
The European Games Esports Championships (#EGE23) has set the stage for a thrilling convergence of esports and traditional sports. With the participation of top esports athletes and teams from across Europe, this event promises to be an exhilarating spectacle of skill, competition, and camaraderie. As the games unfold in Katowice, attendees can look forward to not only witnessing the intense esports action but also engaging in the myriad of activities and conferences designed to enhance their gaming experience.