{"id":157464,"date":"2024-08-22T16:39:18","date_gmt":"2024-08-22T15:39:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/?p=157464"},"modified":"2024-08-22T16:41:56","modified_gmt":"2024-08-22T15:41:56","slug":"exploring-the-portuguese-esports-ecosystem","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/2024\/08\/exploring-the-portuguese-esports-ecosystem","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the Portuguese esports ecosystem"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"625\" src=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//wp-content//uploads//2024//08//MEO-Arena-edited.jpg/" alt=\"ESI Lisbon 2024, Portugal\" class=\"wp-image-157476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/MEO-Arena-edited.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/MEO-Arena-edited-medium.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/MEO-Arena-edited-medium_large.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67704dd14\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Despite being a relatively small country with a population of roughly 10m, Portugal has slowly shown signs of becoming a potential esports hub in Europe \u2014 akin to the likes of France and Spain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67704e517\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>The esports market in Portugal is projected to reach a revenue of \u20ac16.8m (~\u00a314.3m) in 2024, <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////es.statista.com//outlook//amo//esports//portugal/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">according to Statista<\/a>. It is expected to exhibit an annual growth rate of 6.54% (CAGR 2024-2028), resulting in a projected market volume of \u20ac21.7m (~\u00a318.5m) by 2028.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67704ec9f\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>It is, therefore, unsurprising that organisations and stakeholders have begun to emerge and develop in the country as its reputation and positioning in the global industry increases. <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//2022//04//blast-premier-spring-final-lisbon/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BLAST Counter-Strike tournaments<\/a> have graced the country and local teams, such as SAW, are competing on international stages. Step by step, the esports industry&#8217;s eyes are looking at Portugal, and in tandem, there is more movement to bolster the ecosystem both locally and nationally. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67704f423\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Ahead of ESI Events\u2019 own expansion into Portugal through its international, flagship event, <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//events//esi-lisbon/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ESI Lisbon<\/a>, from September 23rd to 25th, let\u2019s dive into the nation&#8217;s esports ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"keep-reading \"  id=\"kr-67cf677050251\">\n  <div class=\"heading\">Keep Reading<\/div>\n  <ul class=\"d-flex flex-column\">\n          <li id=\"post-157432\" style=\"order: 1;\"><a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//2024//08//esg-gaming-esports-age-stigma-esi-lisbon/" target=\"_blank\">Looking at Lisbon: ESG Gaming \u2014 Breaking the esports age and loneliness stigma<\/a><\/li>\n          <li id=\"post-157015\" style=\"order: 2;\"><a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//2024//08//selling-on-the-rift-in-game-ads-esi-lisbon/" target=\"_blank\">Looking at Lisbon: Selling on the Rift \u2014 integrated ads in esports<\/a><\/li>\n          <li id=\"post-156965\" style=\"order: 3;\"><a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//2024//08//purpose-built-esports-venues-esi-lisbon-panel/" target=\"_blank\">Looking at Lisbon: Purpose Built \u2014 Are destinations and venues esports ready?<\/a><\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-heading-67cf67705143e\" class=\"esi-heading \">\n  \n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"portugals_esports_pillars\">Portugal&#8217;s esports pillars<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf677051bdf\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Portugal&#8217;s esports ecosystem consists of a myriad of stakeholders, varying in size and specialisation. For instance, Portuguese esports organisation SAW has been making waves in the international Counter-Strike scene since a successful 2024 BLAST Premier Spring season and Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Cologne 2024 run.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705237a\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Similar to a lot of European countries, Counter-Strike is the flagship esports title in Portugal. According to<a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////www.esportsearnings.com//countries//pt/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Esportsearnings<\/a>, CS:GO accounts for nearly $1m (~\u00a3852,000) of the combined $4.95m (~\u00a33.81m) in prize money awarded to Portuguese athletes. Sports simulation games make up another sizable chunk of the market fuelled by local sports and esports entities creating rosters in <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////easportsfc.fandom.com//wiki//C.D._Nacional/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">EA Sports FC<\/a>, <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////vitoriasc.pt//en//2023//10//16//nba2k-de-rei-ao-peito///" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NBA 2K<\/a> and <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////www.fcfamalicao.pt//en//esports///" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rocket League<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf677052b13\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Some of the most notable among them are football team Sporting CP, which holds a roster in EA Sports FC and Rocket League, Luna Galaxy, founded by professional footballer Diogo Jota (and previously known as Diogo Jota Esports), and Betclic Apogee. Luna Galaxy just won the EA FC competition at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, taking home $300,000 (~\u00a3229,000) of the $1,000,000 (~\u00a3763,700) prize pool.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//wp-content//uploads//2024//08//Luna-Galaxy-large.jpeg/" alt=\"Luna Galaxy at the EWC\" class=\"wp-image-157466\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Luna-Galaxy-large.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Luna-Galaxy-medium.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Luna-Galaxy-medium_large.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Luna-Galaxy-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Luna-Galaxy.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Luna Galaxy at the EWC. Image credit: Esports World Cup<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf6770533f8\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>In terms of entities producing esports content, RTP Arena, the esports department of Portuguese national television company RTP, has become a major player in the region.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf677053b78\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>According to <strong>RTP Arena&#8217;s Content Manager Gon\u00e7alo Louro<\/strong>, the department broadcasts international esports tournaments for the Portuguese audience while creating various content formats: &#8220;We have a tech talk show. We have a gaming talk show where we talk about the latest news in gaming and we have a lot of different content released on our social media like TikTok, Instagram and YouTube as well. We also have written content, mainly journalistic pieces, on the latest news in esports and gaming.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf6770542f8\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p><strong>E2Tech<\/strong> is another major player in the market. Since its foundation in 2007, the esports event producer has grown to host some of the nation\u2019s <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////e2t.pt//portfolio///" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">most notable IPs<\/a>, including video game festival Lisboa Games Week and the international competitive series XL Games.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf677054a61\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Non-profit esports organisation <strong>Grow uP eSports<\/strong> dates back to the early 2000s and owns the GIRLGAMER Festival, an esports and gaming event series dedicated to celebrating and promoting \u2018women\u2019s competitiveness in esports\u2019.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf6770551db\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>&#8220;We wanted to do something special and we wanted to do something meaningful for the entire ecosystem,\u201d said <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//esi-hall-of-fame/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ESI Hall of Fame Award Winner<\/a> <strong>Telmo Silva,<\/strong> who founded Grow uP eSports at the age of 16.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf677055949\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>&nbsp;\u201cWe want to do something that can change the lives of women playing competitively \u2013 create a safe platform and a safe environment for them to compete. It&#8217;s for them to show their talent because with this platform, we can create the role models for younger generations.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf6770560ce\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Grow uP eSports also contributes to the Portuguese esports system through social impact and education initiatives. In 2011, the organisation became the first Portuguese esports entity to be financially supported by the government. 10 years later, Grow uP opened its first gaming facility focused on youth work in collaboration with Portuguese municipality Sintra. To bolster its educational impact, Grow uP also partnered with football club <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//2023//12//grow-up-casa-pia-a-c-for-esports-section/">Casa Pia A.C.<\/a> last year.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//wp-content//uploads//2024//08//Telmo-Grow-Up-esports-large.jpg/" alt=\"ESI Hall of Fame Award Winner Telmo Silva, Grow uP eSports \" class=\"wp-image-157469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Telmo-Grow-Up-esports-large.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Telmo-Grow-Up-esports-medium.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Telmo-Grow-Up-esports-medium_large.jpg 768w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Telmo-Grow-Up-esports-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Telmo-Grow-Up-esports.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">ESI Hall of Fame Award Winner Telmo Silva, Grow uP eSports <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705697a\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Portugal&#8217;s esports industry is supported by two major bodies. \u2014 FEPODELE and FPDE \u2014 with both federations working towards the recognition of competitive gaming by the Portuguese government.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705710f\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s a movement similar to a lot of other national esports federations, so we&#8217;re mainly looking into our main goal right now, especially in Portugal: to make sure that our government recognises esports as a sport,\u201d stated <strong>Pedro Hon\u00f3rio da Silva, President of FPDE<\/strong>. \u201cWe believe there&#8217;s no regulation about a number of things. And we believe that there should be.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf6770579b0\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p><strong>Rui Alexandre Jesus, General Assembly President of FEPODELE,<\/strong> explained one of the federation&#8217;s main objectives: &#8220;You need a referee. [&#8230;] You need someone to say &#8216;Whoa, whoa, calm down. Let&#8217;s take a whistle. Let&#8217;s sit. Let&#8217;s talk.&#8217; You need someone to do that. Our biggest challenge now is to try to find that referee.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf677058132\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>More recently, the <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////www.cm-obidos.pt//viver//comunicacao-e-design//noticia//primeiro-observatorio-de-gaming-e-de-esports-em-portugal-nasce-em-obidos/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Observatory of Gaming and Esports (OGE) was also founded<\/a> to provide an independent party monitoring the local esports scene and its issues. This was established in \u00d3bidos, and \u2018was born from the need felt by some professionals to have access to information about this industry in Portugal\u2019 according to an article about it on <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////www.cm-obidos.pt//viver//comunicacao-e-design//noticia//primeiro-observatorio-de-gaming-e-de-esports-em-portugal-nasce-em-obidos/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CM Obidos<\/a>. &#8220;An observatory is needed to bring people together in an independent way,\u201d Jesus explained.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf6770588a8\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>&nbsp;\u201cWe are starting to develop it and I sincerely believe that that could be the positive future and help to a bright future of esports in Portugal.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1804\" height=\"1128\" src=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//wp-content//uploads//2024//08//CM-Obidos-edited.jpg/" alt=\"CM Obidos\" class=\"wp-image-157468\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/CM-Obidos-edited.jpg 1804w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/CM-Obidos-edited-medium.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/CM-Obidos-edited-large.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/CM-Obidos-edited-medium_large.jpg 768w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/CM-Obidos-edited-1536x960.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1804px) 100vw, 1804px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image credit: CM Obidos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-heading-67cf6770591f1\" class=\"esi-heading \">\n  \n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"portugal_as_an_esports_hub\">Portugal as an esports hub<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf677059977\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Throughout the relatively short history of esports, several destinations worldwide have developed so-called &#8216;esports hubs&#8217;. Arguably, the most prominent esports hub in the world is South Korea.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705a0fc\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>South Korea&#8217;s government took a leading role in the country\u2019s meteoric rise as an esports destination through the recognition of esports as a legitimate sport and the creation of advantageous infrastructures. With broad access to high-speed internet and gaming consoles through gaming cafes, known as PC bangs, the country managed to establish esports and gaming as a core social activity before the beginning of this century. Furthermore, the<a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"http:////e-sports.or.kr//?ckattempt=1\%22 target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Korea e-Sports Association<\/a> (KeSPA), the country\u2019s esports government body, was established as early as 2000.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705a8a0\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Esports quickly cemented itself as a prolific form of sports and entertainment within the country&#8217;s society. Commencing in 2018, the South Korean government invested in the construction of 500-1000-seat esports stadiums in Busan, Daejeon and Gwangju, driven by The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. In the same year, South Korea established its first national team to compete in the Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games. Today, several municipalities and cities have yearly budgets allocated to the development of esports.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705b02d\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>However, South Korea\u2019s example shines a light on perhaps Portugal\u2019s biggest barrier. Until recently, Portugal&#8217;s government has taken little interest in the local esports industry. The lack of governmental support also coincides with common stigmas surrounding esports and gaming.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705b7b2\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Competitive gaming is still an unknown variable for many members of Portugal&#8217;s society. As a result, local companies hesitate to invest in the field.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705bf2c\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>This tricky environment sees Portuguese esports stakeholders struggle to find profitable sponsorships and partnerships. According to FPDE\u2019s da Silva, the weak local economy and difficulty in creating valuable activations for interested brands also plays a role. The FPDE President further shared that even international brands may not offer lucrative sponsorship deals, as their budgets tend to prioritise larger esports markets.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705c6ab\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s extremely rare to have a double-digit sponsorship package with any sponsor. So we&#8217;re talking about the vast majority of sponsorships being below \u20ac5,000 (~\u00a34,257). It&#8217;s very difficult then to sustain oneself or, for instance, create a competition with a \u20ac5,000 prize pool.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705ce27\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>RTP&#8217;s Louro believes that esports\u2019 market correction, commonly referred to as the &#8216;<a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//2023//11//what-is-esports-winter/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">esports winter<\/a>&#8216;, also impacted Portugal&#8217;s competitive gaming industry: &#8220;Even in Portugal, we felt that we found some brands retreating a little bit, trying to not invest as much money.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705d592\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>\u201cJust like the big names suffered, we also suffered.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705dcfe\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Despite glaring challenges, Portugal&#8217;s market has several characteristics that position itself as a potential esports hub. Grow uP eSports\u2019 Telmo pointed out the country&#8217;s broad access to fast internet connectivity \u2014 which other major European esports markets like <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////worldpopulationreview.com//country-rankings//internet-speeds-by-country/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Germany<\/a>, lack \u2014 provides a major advantage.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//wp-content//uploads//2024//02//ESILX24-GeneralAnnouncement-1920x1080px-large.png/" alt=\"ESI Lisbon 2024\" class=\"wp-image-149387\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/ESILX24-GeneralAnnouncement-1920x1080px-large.png 1024w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/ESILX24-GeneralAnnouncement-1920x1080px-medium.png 300w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/ESILX24-GeneralAnnouncement-1920x1080px-medium_large.png 768w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/ESILX24-GeneralAnnouncement-1920x1080px-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/ESILX24-GeneralAnnouncement-1920x1080px.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fine out more about ESI Lisbon <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//events//esi-lisbon/">by clicking here!<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705e5cb\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Da Silva also highlighted Portugal&#8217;s geopolitical location. He believes Portugal may act as a bridge between the world&#8217;s continents. With decent proximity to Brazilian and US esports markets, the country may become a popular destination for international events.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705ed7b\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>FPDE\u2019s President, further argues that the nation&#8217;s lenient visa policies and tourism industry might make Portugal an attractive event location. Similarly, the country offers cost-efficient resources, allowing organisers to host events cheaper than in other European nations. The local fandom, especially in Counter-Strike, might also play a key role.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705f4e5\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Despite these positives, Portugal has yet to become a regular home for major international events. So far, two BLAST competitions have been held in the country. According to Esports Charts, the<a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////escharts.com//tournaments//csgo//blast-pro-series-lisbon-2018/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> BLAST Pro Series Lisbon in 2018<\/a> peaked at 236,645 viewers. Four years later, the<a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////escharts.com//tournaments//csgo//blast-premier-spring-2022-finals/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> BLAST Premier Spring Finals<\/a> more than tripled that number, garnering 762,885 peak viewers. BLAST also announced its return <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////blast.tv//article//blast-premier-2025-major-overview/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">to Portugal in 2025<\/a>, serving as evidence of the country\u2019s suitability for hosting tournaments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67705fc82\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>One major event that is heading to Portugal is ESI Events\u2019 flagship event,<a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//events//esi-lisbon/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> ESI Lisbon<\/a>. From September 23rd to 25th, ESI Lisbon invites gaming, esports, and creator economy leaders from Portugal and around the world to network and discuss relevant opportunities and challenges in the esports industry. These discussions will take place at the event&#8217;s exhibition space and stages located in the MEO Arena.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf6770603f0\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Alongside the attendance of Portuguese stakeholders RTP, Grow uP eSports, FEPODELE and FPDE, international brands and organisations, such as Visit Raleigh, GRID, Samsung Ads and Spectatr are supporting the event as sponsors. The conference will also feature the debut Esports Leaders, which features senior-level executives from major game publishers, esports teams, tournament operators, brands, agencies and more. You can see <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//events//esports-leaders/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the full attendee list here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//wp-content//uploads//2024//08//ESI-LISBON-INTRO-VIDEO-V9-Trim-0001-min-large.png/" alt=\"ESI Lisbon 2024 \" class=\"wp-image-157472\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ESI-LISBON-INTRO-VIDEO-V9-Trim-0001-min-large.png 1024w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ESI-LISBON-INTRO-VIDEO-V9-Trim-0001-min-medium.png 300w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ESI-LISBON-INTRO-VIDEO-V9-Trim-0001-min-medium_large.png 768w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ESI-LISBON-INTRO-VIDEO-V9-Trim-0001-min-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/ESI-LISBON-INTRO-VIDEO-V9-Trim-0001-min.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf677060c9d\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>RTP\u2019s Louro, in particular, considers ESI Lisbon to be a vital opportunity for the local ecosystem: &#8220;It allows some of our local businesses to take a closer look at what&#8217;s done on a bigger scale internationally and try to adopt those ideologies, those practices to the current market in Portugal.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-heading-67cf67706144f\" class=\"esi-heading \">\n  \n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"future_of_portuguese_esports\">Future of Portuguese esports<\/span><\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf677061bc6\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>With the government&#8217;s role yet undefined, the Portuguese esports ecosystem struggles to attain balance and sustainability. However, 2024 seems to be a potential turning point. During a<a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//2024//07//portugal-parliamentary-conference-esports-recognition/"> parliamentary conference<\/a> \u2014 supported by the Socialist Party and promoted by FPDE \u2014 on July 2nd, politicians and relevant stakeholders discussed the creation of a regulatory framework for esports in the country. Andr\u00e9 Batista, part of the Socialist Party, has long been an advocate for the esports industry and will provide opening remarks at ESI Lisbon ahead of a keynote from esports powerhouse T1.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf677062336\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Jesus remarked that the political efforts of FEPODELE and other key players have finally found fertile ground: &#8220;In the last eight years, what I&#8217;ve achieved specifically in this project \u2014 the role of any National Federation, I believe \u2014 is to convince the government. In Portugal, we\u2019ve now achieved the start of the legislative process because it was a unanimous recognition of everyone that some rules should be applied now.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf677062af4\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Da Silva has noticed a similar shift: &#8220;There will be no legislation done in a short amount of time. This will take its time, but at least there&#8217;s a lot of conversation going on, a lot of traction, a lot of political attention. I think it is happening but when exactly remains to be seen. We predict that it&#8217;s probably going to take about 12 months until we get some sort of actual legislation around this.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//wp-content//uploads//2023//12//shutterstock_1941682330-min-edited-large.jpg/" alt=\"Esports prize money\" class=\"wp-image-147267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/shutterstock_1941682330-min-edited-large.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/shutterstock_1941682330-min-edited-medium.jpg 300w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/shutterstock_1941682330-min-edited-medium_large.jpg 768w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/shutterstock_1941682330-min-edited-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/esportsinsider.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/shutterstock_1941682330-min-edited.jpg 1728w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image credit: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf6770633b7\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Louro emphasised: &#8220;We have the talent here. We just need more support, and I think the government could have a really big impact by making people feel more secure. I think as soon as that regulation starts to exist, there will be more brands coming in; there will be more security for some talent to become professional players.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf677063b43\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Da Silva hopes that future governmental action could help stabilise the ecosystem through public esports initiatives and funding, enabling struggling organisations to be less dependent on sponsorships. Grow uP eSports is a leading example as the organisation predominantly relies on public funding through its collaboration with the Portuguese Institute of Youth and Sports.<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf67706429a\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>Another area of progress has been the destigmatisation of esports and raising awareness for the positive impact of competitive gaming on Portugal&#8217;s society and economy. As Grow uP eSports&#8217; Telmo illustrates: &#8220;Children saw [our youth house] as a safe space. And we also work with their parents. Some of the parents now go with the kids to play with them. The parents support their kids going to our arena because, just like their kids, they started seeing it as a safe space.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf677064a10\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>All in all, Portuguese esports stakeholders appear to be cautiously optimistic regarding the growth potential of their scene. Some believe the country is certain to develop into an international hub in the future, others think the related roadblocks might make relevancy beyond Europe difficult.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"esi-paragraph-67cf677065178\" class=\"esi-paragraph \">\n    \n<p>However, as highlighted by Louro, one thing is for sure: &#8220;Esports is not the future. Gaming is not the future. Esports and gaming are the present.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Image credit: Shutterstock Despite being a relatively small country with a population of roughly 10m, Portugal has slowly shown signs of becoming a potential esports hub in Europe \u2014 akin to the likes of France and Spain.&nbsp; The esports market in Portugal is projected to reach a revenue of \u20ac16.8m (~\u00a314.3m) in 2024, according to &hellip; <a href=https://esportsinsider.com/"https:////esportsinsider.com//2024//08//exploring-the-portuguese-esports-ecosystem/">Continued<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":121,"featured_media":157476,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","esi_template":"default","excluded":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[63,70,8999,15023,16335,239,51,50,15024,55,8717,54,5283,106,237,16332,8713,8716,8701,18248],"tags":[17903,40,703,13115],"class_list":["post-157464","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-commercial","category-counter-strike","category-editors-picks","category-education","category-esports-ecosystems","category-europe","category-events-calendar-news","category-features","category-financial","category-esports-titles","category-insights","category-interviews","category-investments","category-latest-news","category-news-by-region","category-originals","category-partnerships-sponsorships","category-regulation-legal","category-shooters","category-top-stories","tag-esi-lisbon","tag-esports","tag-portugal","tag-saw"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.1 (Yoast SEO v24.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Exploring the Portuguese esports ecosystem<\/title>\n<!-- Added by HTTrack --><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /><!-- /Added by HTTrack -->
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