Esports, or electronic sports, is a rapidly growing industry in Sweden and around the world. It refers to competitive video gaming at a professional level, with players and teams competing in tournaments for prize money and other rewards. In Sweden, esports has a long history and has gained increasing recognition and support from both the government and the public.
One of the first esports organizations in Sweden was the Swedish Esports Federation, founded in 2000. Since then, the industry has grown significantly, with many more teams and organizations forming and several major tournaments being held in the country. Some of the most popular esports games in Sweden include Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and League of Legends.
In recent years, the Swedish government has recognized the potential of esports and has taken steps to support the industry. In 2020, the government announced a grant of SEK 5 million (approximately $550,000) to the Swedish Esports Federation to help promote the growth of esports in Sweden. The grant will be used to support various initiatives, including the development of new talent and the organization of national and international tournaments.
There are also several private companies and organizations in Sweden that support esports. For example, the Swedish branch of Telia, a telecommunications company, sponsors a few esports teams and events. The Swedish Esports Academy, a non-profit organization, works to promote and support the development of esports in Sweden by providing resources and training to aspiring esports professionals.
In addition to these efforts, there are also many dedicated esports venues in Sweden, including the Inferno Online Esports Arena in Stockholm, which is one of the largest and most popular esports venues in the country. These venues host a variety of tournaments and events, providing a place for players and fans to come together and celebrate their love of esports.
Overall, esports is a thriving industry in Sweden, with a strong and dedicated community of players, fans, and organizations working to support its growth and success. As the industry continues to expand and evolve, it is likely that we will see even more exciting developments in the world of esports in Sweden.