Ukrainian esports has received a significant boost, with the government officially recognising it as a competitive sport.

Following a concerted lobbying effort from the Ukrainian esports industry, including the Ukrainain Esports Federation (UESF), the Ukrainian Ministry for Youth and Sports has officially recognised esports as a competitive sport.

On 17 September, the Ukrainian Professional Esports Association (UPEA) will pitch a new five-year strategy aimed at growing the sector in the country. 

Commenting on the news Ukraine’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Vadym Gutzayt, said:

“We cannot ignore this phenomenon because esports is developing very fast all over the world. Audience interest is growing every month as is the involvement of our population.

“We want our children, who are already at the computer most of the time, not to become addicted to gaming, but to be able to turn their hobby into an intellectual competition.”

Meanwhile, in the capital Kiev, Natus Vincere Founder, Oleksandr Kokhanovsky, and a group of IT professionals, have purchased the Dnipro Hotel for approximately €35m, and plan to turn it into the world’s first esports hotel, complete with training areas, an arena, and rooms and lounges specially designed for pro players. 

AYO.NEWS says:

Gaining official recognition from governments is a big deal in many countries, legitimising esports and enabling those in the sector to access certain benefits and programs. And, with esports witnessing unprecedented growth, we expect many more countries to follow suit over the coming months and years. 

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