As Bekeshev noted, esports has become one of the most dynamically developing areas in the world of sports and digital technologies in recent years. World championships in video games attract huge audiences, and professional players represent their teams and countries at global tournaments.
In recent years, many major esports events have been held with impressive prize pools, including:
- The International for Dota 2 - approximately $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 - around $3 million.
The deputy reminds that esports is closely related to video games, which are high-tech products that receive billions of dollars in investment annually.The gaming industry includes software developers, streaming platforms, analytical studios, marketing companies, and tournament organizers.
Esports creates new professions and employment opportunities, including professional players, coaches, analysts, commentators, and team managers.
One of the advantages of esports is that its development does not require large state investments in infrastructure. Unlike traditional sports, which need stadiums and sports facilities, esports can develop based on existing computers and internet infrastructure. This makes it particularly attractive for countries with limited financial resources, says Bekeshev.
However, in Kyrgyzstan, esports is still in the development stage, but it lacks comprehensive legal regulation. Existing tournaments are held by private organizations and initiative groups without a unified set of rules and state control. The adoption of this draft law should organize existing competitions within a legal framework.
It is proposed to introduce a new article in the Law "On Physical Culture and Sports," which will include the following provisions:
- Esports is recognized as an official sport in the Kyrgyz Republic.
- The organization and development of esports will be carried out by physical culture and sports organizations, sports clubs, and educational institutions.
- The list of esports disciplines will be formed in accordance with established procedures and included in the National Register of Sports.
- The state will support the development of esports, the holding of republican and international competitions, as well as the participation of Kyrgyz athletes in international tournaments.
- State support will also be directed towards holding international tournaments in Kyrgyzstan and developing esports infrastructure, including attracting foreign participants and spectators.
- Competitions will be held in accordance with intellectual property legislation.
- School and student esports teams may be created in educational institutions.
- The state will promote the development of school and student esports.
- The following conditions will be established for the participation of minors:
- participation is only possible with the consent of parents or legal representatives;
- admission to participation will be carried out taking into account age restrictions for the respective games;
- tournament organizers must ensure conditions that exclude harm to the health of minors and do not interfere with their education;
- organizers are required to take measures to prevent gaming addiction among minors.
