The Colombian Olympic Committee (COC) and GAT Esports have formed a strategic alliance to promote esports as part of the country's professional sports ecosystem. The news was shared during a formal ceremony in the exhibition hall of the gaming industry trade show, in the presence of the President of Coljuegos, Marco Emilio Hincapié, COC officials, GAT Esports CEO José Aníbal Aguirre, media, and special guests.
The alliance, backed by the recent approval of the bill regulating esports and enabling their incorporation into the National Sports System, aims to create competitive circuits with Olympic standards, train local talent, and reach international projection.
"For the Colombian Olympic Committee, it is a pleasure to work hand-in-hand with a company that has proven its commitment—this great trade fair speaks for itself. We have worked hard to make esports a reality. Colombia has made real progress—this law has just been approved and only awaits enactment. We must activate the fair’s slogan: Entertainment with Responsibility, by regulating esports and encouraging youth participation. Today, the IOC has officially recognized esports, and the first Olympic Games for this discipline will take place. Of course, we will work with the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Education to develop proper regulation in Colombia."
For his part, José Aníbal Aguirre, General Director of GAT Esports, stated:
"With this alliance, we will not only welcome a new generation of athletes, but also create professionally structured tournaments with real opportunities for the development of Colombian players. GAT Esports will be the ideal platform to bring this project to life—combining technological innovation, sports discipline, circuit stops, and tournaments—because Colombia deserves to be a leading force in the digital sports era."
These opportunities will translate into tangible medium-term benefits: professional players will gain access to specialized training and health support aligned with COC wellness programs for Colombian athletes. Moreover, competitions will be held in official circuits with a national and international tournament calendar facilitating qualifiers.
Coljuegos President Marco Emilio Hincapié commented:"I welcome this alliance. I experienced the fantastic event GAT held with the young people here in Cartagena last year and thoroughly enjoyed it—it’s clear there is enthusiasm and a desire to make this happen. I wish you much success."
Félix Burgos Méndez, Advisor to the Colombian Olympic Committee and President of Colombian Official Esports, an entity under the COC that promotes esports growth, added:"It is extremely important for this alliance to bear fruit, and we are fully committed to supporting every step GAT Esports takes to mobilize the gamer community and secure resources needed for project development."
Opening Day of the Exhibition
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Colombia’s top regulatory authority, Marco Emilio Hincapié, joined by Juan Carlos Santaella, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission; Elizabeth Maya Cano, President of Cornazar; Fernando Calderón, President of SONAJA; Luz Estella Correa, Executive Director of Fedelco; Diego Hernández, Manager of the Boyacá Lottery and Vice President of Fedelco; and Juan Carlos Araujo, Manager of Hotel Las Américas and the Convention Center.
GAT opened its doors with a vibrant day marked by innovation, technology, and strategic networking. Over 1,500 business leaders explored the Nueva Granada Hall, exchanging ideas in a dynamic and professional environment.
Today, April 30, GAT Expo Cartagena concludes with a final opportunity to visit the trade show. Starting at 2:00 p.m., Las Américas Convention Center will reopen its doors for visitors and buyers to close deals, discover cutting-edge solutions, and strengthen business relationships in a highly effective networking environment.