The Colombian Olympic Committee (COC), Colombian Official Esports (COE), and GAT Esports will officially announce their strategic alliance during GAT Expo Cartagena, taking place from April 28 to 30. Their goal: to position Esports as a recognized discipline within the country's professional sports ecosystem.
The COC-COE-GAT Esports alliance will drive the organization of national circuits and tournaments in various Esports modalities, involving athletes from across Colombia. This roadmap aims to achieve participation in Bolivarian, South American, Central American, Pan American, and European competitions, culminating in Colombia’s participation at the Esports Olympic Games 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This announcement comes at a historic moment for Esports in Colombia: the Congress of the Republic has unanimously approved the law that officially recognizes Esports as a sport discipline. Once enacted, the law will allow the creation of Esports federations, clubs, and leagues, integrating them into the National Sports System. This opens the door for professional player development, access to resources, and international representation, including participation in the IOC’s announced Esports Olympic Games.
Key Moments:
1. Academic Panel: "Esports, Betting on the Future"
Date: Monday, April 28
Time: 2:40 p.m.
Location: Nueva Granada Hall, Las Américas Convention Center
Participants:
Jorge Franco, Treasurer of the Colombian Olympic Committee
José Aníbal Aguirre, CEO of GAT
Juan Carlos Araujo, General Manager of Hotel Las Américas
Ricardo Smith Rodríguez and Jessica Vásquez, Managers of iSports Sports Marketing Agency
2. Official launch of the alliance and GAT Expo exhibition
Date: Tuesday, April 29
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Santa María Hall, Las Américas Convention Center, Cartagena
Program:
Official announcement of the alliance with the presence of authorities, exhibitors, regulators, national and international gaming industry associations, and media representatives.
Guided tour of the exhibition halls.
Q&A session and toast at the COC-COE-GAT Esports stand.
Background:
Since 2022, the Colombian Olympic Committee and Colombian Official Esports have been working on the promotion of Esports, achieving national and international tournament presence.
GAT incorporated Esports into its portfolio four years ago, holding consecutive events in Cartagena and Bogotá, including the groundbreaking GAT Esports Academy 2024, which brought together universities, parliamentarians, gamer communities, video game creators, and media outlets.
Colombia has over 10 million active gamers, making it one of the most influential Esports markets in Latin America.
The COC-COE-GAT Esports alliance opens new opportunities for the growth and international projection of Esports in Colombia, further integrating them into the national sports ecosystem