On February 22, 2017 international events company Smile-Expo will hold Ukraine’s first esports industry conference in the capital of Kiev – eSPORTconf UAH.
Globally, Na’Vi (short for Natus Vincere which means born to win in Latin) have already carved out a name for Ukraine in esports, and now Smile-Expo are hoping to do the same in a business capacity.
Vladislav Tikhonov, PR Manager Esportconf Ukraine 2017 stated: “Esports is far from a new phenomenon in Ukraine. We have Na’Vi and Gambit Gaming in the international arena. The organisation Starladder’ is the largest in the CIS and has its headquarters in Kiev. That’s why we decided to hold the first conference on esports in Ukraine “Esportconf Ukraine 2017”.
“We want to create a conference for business; where investors, teams, streaming platforms, gambling industry representatives, entreprenurs and more can meet, learn, network and discuss. Our aim is to make Ukraine the esports centre of Eastern Europe.”
Indeed it might surprise some just how engrained esports is in Ukraine and the degree to which the country produces top talent. For instance only China had more pro players at The International in 2015; Ukraine had 12. The conference will focus on the dynamics of the development of esports in CIS and European countries, the potential of esports betting in Ukraine, investment opportunities, esports Olympic potential, how to build and run events and teams, and the current trends and emerging opportunities.
Interested parties can check out the site for more detail, it’s a bargain at only 1,000 UAH (£29) and there are further discounts for multiple ticket purchases.
Esports Insider says: There are a large number of such esports conferences in Western Europe and over in the States now so it’s good to see other regions, especially those in which esports is already well regarded and has a following, beginning to host their own too.
