Professional video game players seek recognition as athletes and hope that one day eSports will enjoy the same treatment as traditional sports. The International Olympic Committee has opened the door for the admission of eSports, but there’s still a long way to go. Good news comes from Germany, where the new government seems willing to support local eSports clubs who seek admission to the Summer Olympics.
The multiparty agreement could set an important milestone for German players who hope to have e- sports recognized as sports. It is also an important step forward after a state parliament in northern Germany agreed to recognize electronic sports. For professional players, this could open the door to bigger donations, once their teams apply for non-for-profit status.
In November 2017, the Esport Bund Deutschland was founded and its members are lobbying for e-sports recognition nationwide. German MOBA fans as well as their international counterparts have good reasons to celebrate this new change of stance towards eSports. Germany hosts the European League of Legends Championship Series, a major competition that brings together top players from all over the continent.
