Halmstad Teams Up with Swedish E-Sports Federation to Become E-Sport Capital
Halmstad collaborates with the SESF to establish itself as Sweden's e-sport capital through significant investments and upcoming events.
Key Points
- • Halmstad partners with the SESF to establish itself as an e-sport hub.
- • Municipality commits 2 million SEK annually for five years.
- • Nordic Championship in Counter-Strike for women to be held this autumn.
- • Plans for dedicated e-sport venues and educational programs are underway.
Halmstad is embarking on an ambitious journey to become Sweden's new e-sport capital as it collaborates with the Swedish E-Sports Federation (SESF). The partnership, formalized through an Ideas-based Public Partnership (IOP), includes a commitment from the municipality to invest 2 million SEK annually for five years to support the establishment of SESF operations in the city. This initiative seeks to bolster youth engagement and retention in Halmstad, aligning with a strategic focus on modern recreational activities that resonate with younger populations.
The first major event under this collaboration will be the Nordic Championship in Counter-Strike for women, scheduled to take place at Halmstad Theatre this autumn. This will mark one of the significant e-sport events in Sweden, drawing participation from national teams across the Nordic region. Stefan Pålsson, chairman of the municipal council, expressed excitement about the initiative, saying, "We have noted that e-sport and gaming are activities many young people engage with and identify with. It feels really cool!"
The collaboration follows a pre-study indicating robust interest in e-sports among Halmstad's youth, prompting local authorities to explore the development of dedicated infrastructures for e-sports, similar to traditional sports facilities. Pålsson noted the community's enthusiasm as a driving force behind this initiative, stating, "We believe in this and want to invest in it - and be part of their journey into the future."
In addition to competitive events, this initiative aims to elevate e-sport to a recognized sport in Halmstad, echoing Sweden's official recognition of e-sport since 2023. Sammi Kaidi, the president of SESF, remarked on the ambition to cultivate an environment that fosters both casual and competitive gaming, describing the new partnership as a pivotal step in establishing a competitive landscape for e-sport in the city.
Moreover, the plans include integrating e-sports educational programs in schools, capitalizing on the SESF's inclusion in the Swedish Sports Confederation, which will further enhance engagement with local educational institutions. Karolina Davidsson, CEO of Destination Halmstad, also underscored the potential for hosting a range of new events that could benefit the local economy and culture.
With strong local backing and community interest, Halmstad is poised to make a significant impact on the e-sport landscape in Sweden, showcasing its commitment to innovation and youth empowerment.