European esports organisation G2 Esports has hosted an industry panel at its Berlin headquarters to discuss the future of esports infrastructure in Germany.
The panel included the organisation’s CEO Alban Dechelotte and Franziska Giffey, Berlin’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises.
In the evening, the panel discussed how Germany’s existing esports ecosystem can be improved to encourage sustainable, long-term growth. In addition to Dechelotte and Giffey, the panel also included former FIFA World Champion Mohammed ‘MoAuba’ Harkous and Julions Althof, Managing Director of the Esports Player Foundation.
Alongside discussing the sustainability of esports in Germany, other topics included the structures required to support players from grassroots to professional level, and how Germany can position itself as an international hub for organisations and tournament organisers to host events.
The discussion comes as Berlin continues to display its commitment to the gaming industry. This year, the city will open the House of Games, a central hub for publishers and developers.
The panel also discussed Germany’s move to classify esports as a non-profit activity and its wider impact on organisations operating in the country. In September 2025, the government approved a proposal recognising esports as a non-profit activity to strengthen fair play and encourage a healthy approach to digital media use.
The Future Of Esports In Germany
Hosting panels for industry stakeholders to engage with government officials enables productive discussions that can shape the future of esports in Germany. In recent years, the country has hosted several high-profile tournaments, including Dota 2’s The International and Rainbow Six Siege’s Fall Major.
This year, the city of Cologne will host the 24th Counter-Strike Major operated by ESL FACEIT Group. The tournament is the fifth time the crowning event for Valve’s first-person shooter title has taken place in Germany, cementing Germany’s place as a popular destination for tournament organisers.
