A new chapter in European sport starts today as action gets under way in the inaugural European Games Esports Championships taking place in Katowice.

The event, which is being held alongside the European Games Krakow-Malopolska 2023, will see more than 100 players from 28 countries compete in Rocket League and eFootball 2023 titles across the two days of competition. Fans can follow all the action live and free at www.eoctv.org.

The Championships are the first to be held under an exciting new partnership between the European Olympic Committees (EOC) and the Global Esports Federation (GEF), which is organising the two-day competition.

It marks the EOC’s first move into Esports and follows the success of the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore earlier in June.

President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda attended an Opening Ceremony at The International Congress Center in Katowice, Poland alongside EOC President Spyros Capralos, Chair of the EOC’s Coordination Commission Hasan Arat, GEF President Chris Chan and CEO Paul J. Foster, Minister of Sport and Tourism for the Republic of Poland, Kamil Bortniczuk and Honorary President of the Polish Olympic Committee, Andrzej Kraśnicki. Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Science of UNESCO, Gabriela Ramos also spoke via a video message from Baku, Azerbaijan, where she has been hosting UNESCO’s Global Sports Conference, MINEPS VII.

The Opening Ceremony saw the athletes, coaches and judges recite the GEF Athlete’s Pledge from as a symbolic gesture of commitment, unity, shared values, and personal responsibility towards the event, while there was an innovative musical performance conducted by athletes and musicians, inspired by the sounds of gaming.

During his welcome speech, President Capralos looked ahead to the tournament and acknowledged that they will observe the event closely as the EOC continues its long history of being at the forefront of innovation in the Olympic movement.

President Capralos said: “Today is a very exciting day for the European Olympic Committees, for gamers, for sport and for Poland. This is the first time the EOC has hosted an event like this so we are very curious. We are curious to see how Esport works in a social context. We are curious to see how Esport works in the context of a multi-sport games.

“Thank you to our partners who have helped create this opportunity. Together we can contribute to our shared understanding of what drives young people and how we can make sure they develop healthy habits. And based on this understanding we can move forward together in delivering on the promise of a better future for our young people through sport.

“Athletes, gamers, I will echo my words from the Opening Ceremony of the European Games, with a reminder of the Olympic values, which are universal values. We look forward to the excellence you will show in the following days. We have no doubt that you will compete in a spirit of friendship and in a way that is respectful of each other.”

As well as confirming that plans are in place for European Games Esports Championships to continue in 2027, Coordination Commission Chair Hasan Arat thanked President Duda and Poland for their continued support.

Mr Arat said: “Today we gather at the European Games Esports Championship, an event which celebrates skill, the power of technology and a streak of competition. It is an honour to have the distinguished President of Poland, his excellency Mr Duda among us, demonstrating his support of European Games and for the growing world of Esports

“Poland, with its rich history and vibrant spirit, has always been a nation that cherishes the pursuit of excellence. Today we witness the new chapter in this journey as we come together to embrace the limitless potential of Esports. This is a new world.”

GEF Chief Executive Officer Paul Foster thanked the EOC leadership for their partnership and willingness to innovate, calling it an historic moment for Esports in Europe.

Mr Foster said: “Today is an historic day for Esports and sport, and our world connected global Esports community. It signals the gathering together of people from across Europe and around the world. Bridging tradition and innovation, while looking ahead to dynamic opportunities of a brighter future together.

“The European Games Esports Championship were co-created from an inspiring Esports partnership between the GEF and the visionary leaders of the European Olympic Committees. Our entire community is grateful to you, the European Olympics Committee Executive Committee, including Coordination Commission Chair Hasan Arat, for your vision, trust and commitment to offer these incredible Esports athletes from across Europe the chance to join in your prestigious European Games.”