Berlin promotes eSports offspring: 20 talents for Esports Team Berlin selected!

Berlin promotes eSports offspring: 20 talents for Esports Team Berlin selected!

On June 16, 2025, the "Esports Team Berlin" was officially presented. This initiative marks the starting signal for the promotion of young talents in eSports. At the press event, which was led by the mayor and senator for economy, energy and businesses, Franziska Giffey, it became clear that Berlin plays a central role in the eSport industry. The city achieves around half of the nationwide sales in eSport. With the new initiative, the capital would like to invest in the offspring and young Berliners: support inside on their way to professional eSports.

By working with the eSports Player Foundation (EPF), emerging talents receive an extensive support program over a period of eight months. This program includes coaching-specific measures, sports psychological support as well as offers in the areas of nutrition and exercise. In addition, value is placed on network formation. The focus of the games is on League of Legends r, EA Sports fctm and brawl stars tm

the selection process

A total of 400 applications were submitted for the funding program, from which 40 talents were invited to a selection camp. This selection camp extended over two days in which coaches rated players with regard to their level of play, their teamwork, communication behavior and mental resilience. Ultimately, 20 talents were selected for the program to benefit from the professionalization of the training, financial support as well as legal and health advice.

The program is financed by a joint initiative of the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia, the State of Berlin as well as by business partners such as Deutsche Bahn and Deutsche Telekom. The partner of the eSports Player Foundation is the Game-Association of the German Games Branch , which is committed to the interests of the gaming industry in Germany.

The social relevance of eSports

eSport has developed into a relevant part of the gaming industry in recent years. A recent report shows that the German Gaming market generated sales of almost ten billion euros in 2023. The International Olympic Committee even plans the first "Olympic ESPORT Games" for 2027, which underlines the growing social relevance of eSport.

One of the most important points in the current discussion about eSport is the question of non -profit. The Berliner Politics , which is supported by the CDU and the SPD, strives to enable charity for eSports clubs. This could facilitate the development of club structures and the support of volunteers and also lead to state grants. The ESPORT Federation Germany (ESBD) has been working on the implementation of this idea for years to give eSports a stronger legal framework in Germany.

A needs and potential analysis that was brought into parliament should examine the economic aspects and the sports policy consequences of non-profit welfare. Important voices from the industry, such as Daniel Finkler from Berlin International Gaming (BIG), emphasize that the government has to take the eSport seriously to promote future developments.

With the "Esports Team Berlin", the capital sets a strong sign of promoting young talent in eSports. The initiative could not only promote the career of individuals, but also contribute to the systematic development and acceptance of eSports in society.