According to the initiator, esports has become one of the most dynamically developing areas in the world of sports and digital technologies in recent years. Large international video game tournaments attract millions of viewers, and professional players represent their teams and countries in prestigious competitions.
Recently, many major esports events with impressive prize pools have taken place worldwide. Such tournaments include:
- The International for Dota 2 - prize pool of about $3.3 million;
- Riyadh Masters for Dota 2 - around $15 million;
- FNCS Global Championship for Fortnite - about $4 million;
- PUBG Mobile Global Championship - approximately $3 million;
- Six Invitational for Rainbow Six Siege - also around $3 million.
The deputy reminds that esports is inextricably linked to the development of the video game industry, which allocates billions of dollars annually for its creation.The gaming industry includes many segments: software developers, streaming platforms, analytical studios, marketing companies, and tournament organizers.
Esports is creating new professions and employment opportunities. This field employs professional players, coaches, team analysts, commentators, managers, and event organizers.
One of the distinguishing features of esports is that its development does not require large investments in infrastructure from the state. Unlike traditional sports, which need stadiums and specialized facilities, esports can develop on existing computers and internet infrastructure, making it particularly attractive for countries with limited budgets, emphasizes Bekeshev.
However, at the moment, esports in Kyrgyzstan is actively developing but lacks a clear legal status. Tournaments and competitions are organized by private companies and initiative groups without unified legal regulation. The adoption of the bill will allow for the legalization of current competitions and streamline their conduct.
A new article will be added to the law "On Physical Culture and Sports," which will establish the following provisions:
- Esports is recognized as an official sport in the Kyrgyz Republic.
- The organization and development of esports are carried out by sports organizations, clubs, educational institutions, and other associations in the field of sports.
- The list of esports disciplines will be formed in the established manner and entered into the National Register.
- The state will support the development of esports, the holding of national and international tournaments, as well as the participation of Kyrgyz athletes in international competitions.
- Government structures will assist in organizing international esports tournaments, developing esports infrastructure, and attracting foreign participants and viewers.
- Esports competitions will be held in accordance with intellectual property legislation.
- Teams for esports may be created in educational institutions for schoolchildren and students.
- The state will support the development of school and student esports.
- Participation of minors is possible under the following conditions:
- participation is only possible with the consent of parents or legal representatives;
- participation is allowed considering the age restrictions established for the respective games;
- tournament organizers must ensure safe conditions that do not harm the health of minors and do not interfere with their education;
- organizers are obliged to take measures to prevent gaming addiction among youth.
