The best gamers from over 14 countries will gather on September 21-22 at the eSports tournament – Nations Cup by EAL, which will be held in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the mountain Jahorina – known as the host of the 1984 Winter Olympic Games. Competitors from Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey, Croatia, and other countries will battle for the title of champion and a prize pool of 5,000 EUR. The competition, featuring the globally popular video game EA FC24, promises an excellent sports atmosphere, with dynamic football matches played through group stages and elimination rounds. The tournament is organized by the eSports Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the support of the European eSports Federation (EEF).
This event provided the opportunity to discuss the state of eSports in the adria region with Goran Kuzmic, president of the tournament’s organizing committee and manager of the regional E-Adriatic League. He emphasized that the tournament represents more than just a competition and hopes that it will be a turning point for the development of eSports in the region. He pointed out that Jahorina, as an Olympic mountain, was a logical choice for hosting the first Nations Cup, which, as he noted, aims to showcase the potential of eSports competitions and gaming. The industry offers career development opportunities, attracts tourists, and opens doors to investment, but as he emphasized, a strategic approach to development is necessary.
What makes this tournament special?
The fact that we gather a large number of national teams and that the tournament combines the best elements of eSports – the highest level of competition with fair play and a focus on sportsmanship. The match system makes every moment important, and with tiebreakers and exciting singles and doubles, the event will be exciting for the audience. All of this, combined with an excellent location, will ensure that the audience enjoys and feels the true energy and adrenaline of a sporting event.
How would you answer the frequently asked question: Is eSports actually a sport?
It absolutely is, and there are several reasons for that. Primarily because all the principles of traditional sports – physical and mental preparation, strategy, teamwork – are also key in eSports. This is a serious sporting discipline that requires training, focus, and dedication at the highest level. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are associations, clubs, and players competing in the E-Adriatic League who are under professional contracts and undergo similar checks as other athletes. Recently, players were subjected to testing by the BiH Anti-Doping Agency. Additionally, the league adheres to the rules of the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) and is a member of the European Esports Federation (EEF), ESIC Adria Federation, and the International Esports Federation (IESF). This shows how professional eSports is at the global level and affirms its status as a sport.
As one of the active representatives of eSports, how would you evaluate the level of community awareness?
The level of community awareness in the region is not at a great level, primarily because often people do not perceive eSports as a professional discipline. This is very different globally, where gaming industry generates billions of dollars, according to some studies, even more than Hollywood. The industry continues to grow rapidly, and we want to catch that wave. Our goal is to continue educating and informing the public about all aspects of eSports. This event is one way to do that.
How has the journey of the E-Adriatic League been, and how do you see its future development?
It has been filled with numerous challenges from the very beginning. It is even more challenging because we set high goals – to establish great standards in the eSports industry and provide players with a professional environment that fosters fair play and equality in the global sports ecosystem. Our transparent work and integrity have brought us to where we are today. We see the future in expanding into other eSports divisions and working even harder on popularizing eSports in the region.
All information regarding the competition can be followed on the official Instagram profile of the E-Adriatic League.
