Big Day for the Esports Community as Thailand Officially Recognizes Esports as an Actual Sport

Time to celebrate the popularity and success of Esports! The Thai government finally agreed to officially recognize Esports as a real professional sport on 22 September 2021. According to the Thailand Esports Federation (TESF), from now on, Esports will not only be recognized as a professional sport in Thailand, it will also be eligible to get all the basic benefits from the Government.

On the exact same day, the International Sports Federation (ISF) congratulated the entire country as well as the Federation for its grand entrance into the professional gaming world. From now on, Esports will be the 14th professionally recognized sport in Thailand. Other Thailand’s professionally recognized sports are:

• Football
• Golf
• Jet skiing
• Sepak Takraw
• Volleyball
• Motorcycle racing
• Bowling
• Snooker
• Cycling
• Basketball
• Badminton]
• Tennis
• Auto Racing

ISEF wrote, “Esports officially become a professional sport in Thailand. Congratulations to Thailand and Thailand Federation on achieving official recognition of Esports as a professional sport.”

WATCH THIS STORY:  Best MMORPG Games Coming in 2021

Esports as a professional sport

With this official announcement, professional gamers and teams will now be eligible for financial support from the government and Sports Authority of Thailand. Recognized teams will also get funding, support, and honors for their skill development and welfare. The declaration will also unlock multiple benefits for the local video game industry.

It will also include help in club management as well as training of the players. To have such significant support for gaming in Thailand is a very motivating and positive development for the gaming industry. Above all, now, the Esports department is eligible for Profesional Sports Promotional Fund.

According to Esports Talk, way back in 2020, the Sports Authority of Thailand and Thailand’s official Ministry of Tourism and Sports sponsored ESL One events. They also sponsored national tournament events, where the prize pool of $32,755, which is pretty impressive, to be honest. TESF also organized popular competitions like the 2020 Mobile league: Bang Bang Tournament.

What do you think about this huge step forward by the Thailand government? Let us know in the comments section below.

READ MORE: Call of Duty: Warzone’s In-Game Leaderboard Shows the Grave Situation of Hacking in the Game