International esports body the Global Esports Federation has announced the creation of the Europe Esports Development Federation (EEDF).
GEF said the newly-created entity would focus on supporting grassroots initiatives, esports players and teams in Europe and “facilitate the exchange of knowledge.”
The EEDF joins a growing number of similar initiatives created by the GEF, including the Africa Esports Development Federation, the Pan Am Esports Development Federation and the Oceania Esports Development Federation.
GEF claims the creation of these federations underscores its commitment to fostering the sustainable growth and development of esports communities.
The announcement comes just a few days after the conclusion of the inaugural European Games Esports Championships, which took place in Katowice, Poland.
Polish President Andrzej Duda officially opened the esports event, which hosted competitions in eFootball and Rocket League. According to esports data platform Esports Charts, however, the event only reached a peak viewership of 530 viewers.
The EEDF will be headed by President Andrzej Kraśnicki, former head of the Polish Olympic Committee. Kraśnicki is also a member of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) Executive Committee, and was President of the European Games Esports Championships 2023 Executive Committee.
Meanwhile, GEF Vice President and British Esports CEO Chester King, GEF Board Member Aurelia Ruetsch, and Turkish Esports Federation Alper Afşin Özdemir have been appointed Vice Presidents.
The new President, Andrzej Kraśnicki, said: “The establishment of the Europe Esports Development Federation marks a significant step forward for European esports. By developing national federations, organisations, and stakeholders, we aim to cultivate an environment that nurtures talent, promotes inclusivity, and drives the sustainable growth of esports throughout Europe.”
