Code of Ethics
30 June - 2 July 2023
The inaugural European Games Esports Championships (#EGE23) brought together esports athletes and teams from across Europe in a landmark celebration of competitive gaming.
Co-organised by the Global Esports Federation and the European Olympic Committees (EOC), #EGE23 took place from 30 June to 2 July at the International Congress Center in Katowice, which became the epicentre of digital competition during the event.
As a GEF Marquee event, esports athletes competed alongside more than 7,000 athletes representing 48 nations and territories at the third edition of the European Games in Kraków and the Małopolska region of Poland—marking a significant moment in the continued integration of esports within the broader sporting movement.
About the Titles
eFootball™ 2023 is a revolutionary football simulation game. Konami has evolved the iconic video game franchise into a platform at its core strives for realism and authenticity.
Using the newly implemented Unreal game engine, eFootball takes football video games to another level with lifelike graphics and silky-smooth player movements.
eFootball™ 2023 is the new generation of football gaming and is entirely free to play across mobile, PC, and console devices
Rocket league is a fantastical physics driven vehicular soccer game developed by Psyonix.
Like soccer, players employ maneuvers to advance the ball towards the opponent goal and gain points by scoring.
It can be played in single player or multiplayer mode with cross platform support.
Program
Friday, 30 June 2023
International Congress Center, Katowice,
Square of Slawik & Antalia, 40-163, Katowice
1030-1115
Panel 1: Esports & Europe
Current state of esports in Europe – the impact on sports and entertainment, and its potential to stimulate economic and human-led innovation. Join us to hear recent trends in this rapidly evolving industry.
1120-1205
Panel 2: Convergence of Sports, Esports & Technology
The limitless potential of human-focused technology is transforming the way we consume and experience sports and esports. Join us to hear about the latest innovations, opportunities, brand engagement, and fan experience.
Speakers:
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Aurelia Ruetsch, Chair EGE23 Coordination Commission; GEF Board Member
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Samy Bessi, Vice President, Belgian Esports Federation
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Chris Jonasson, General Secretary, Swedish Esports Federation
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Stavroula Katsoula, Manager, Strategic Projects, GEF
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Łukasz Klimczyk, Vice President, Esports Association Polska
Moderator:
Aurelia Ruetsch
Speakers:
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Chester King, GEF Vice President; CEO, British Esports Federation
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HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, GEF Vice President; Chairman, Saudi Esports Federation
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Adrian Lismore, GEF Vice President; Vice President Ireland Esports
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Ming Wei Ng, Founder, Boom Digital Media; Forbes Asia 30 Under 30
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Aleksander Szlachetko, Managing Director, ESL FACEIT Group; GEF Strategic Partner
Moderator:
Chester King
Speakers
Friday-Sunday, 30 June-2 July 2023
International Congress Center, Katowice,
Square of Slawik & Antalia, 40-163, Katowice
The GEFestival delivered a dynamic lineup of activities as part of the European Games Esports Championships, offering both entertainment and thought leadership for attendees.
In collaboration with the Marshal's Office of the Silesian Voivodeship, the event featured the OKSE – Central Europe Gaming & E-careers Congress, one of the longest-running cyclical conferences on the gaming industry and its related sectors in Central and Eastern Europe. Previously known as the National Congress on Electronic Sports, the congress expanded its focus to include broader discussions on business and the economy. From June 30 to July 2, the International Congress Center in Katowice served as a hub for professionals, academics, and government representatives to exchange knowledge and insights.
Beyond the conference, attendees engaged in a wide range of activities. A “Just Dance” tournament, organised in collaboration with the Polish Dancing Association, brought energy to the festival, while the retro gaming zone offered a nostalgic experience with classic titles. Esports enthusiasts followed the University Esports League broadcasts, watching top university teams compete for the trophy.
The city of Katowice and the Marshal's Office also curated dedicated chill zones, creating spaces for networking, relaxation, and informal conversations. Complimentary admission ensured the event remained accessible, welcoming a diverse community to be part of the experience.
Partners
Honorary Patronage - President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda
In April 2019, President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda initiated the “National Esports Team" The team established by the President was one of the first official national esports teams in Europe. It was an important step in the popularization of electronic games in Poland. Today, the President's honorary patronage of the GEFestival shows that the trend of support for the area of gaming, modern technology, and new media continues. This makes it possible to carry out important events, which reinforces the belief that these trends are relevant to Poland's strategic goals.
Host Region and Co-organizer of OKSE - Silesian Voivodeship
The Silesian Voivodeship is a region that attracts a strong labor tradition, good business climate, natural landscape, cultural events, and positive energy of its residents. Entrepreneurs in the Silesian province can take advantage of various forms of support offered to them by research and development units, technology parks and clusters, and business environment institutions. The region's authorities are actively involved in these activities by responding to the needs of business development.
Host Region - Metropolia GZM
The strength of the cities and municipalities that make up today's Metropolis was based on the traditional industry in the past. Today, the leading positions are taken by modern technological solutions. They are also increasingly important in the public space; in the education sector, or in the health sector, for improving the quality of life of residents at all stages of life. Therefore, Metropolis actively engages in the process of change by initiating and supporting pilot and demonstration activities in the field of transportation, economy, and innovation, as well as social development.
Host City of Katowice
Katowice is a good example of a city that is changing, creating new opportunities for business. The transformation that is taking place here is an example of how to bring about change in a city with the help of business. Great location and excellent communication with Polish and European cities. The business capital of this part of Poland, with huge ambitions for more. It's a city that exemplifies how to turn a traditional industrial region into a center of advanced technology and world-class business services.
Stream Live
International Congress Centre (ICC)
Katowice, Poland
About the Venue
The International Congress Centre (ICC) in Katowice is a unique facility on the map of places dedicated to events in Poland.
The modern, bespoke building combines a number of functions, including hosting congresses, conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, and entertainment events. Together with the legendary Spodek Arena, located in its immediate vicinity, it is one of Poland's largest congress and exhibition venues. Its unique design, excellent location, and versatility are just some of the main key characteristics of the International Congress Centre. The venue is designed to accommodate 15,000 visitors, and together with the neighboring Spodek it is one of the largest congress, exhibition, sports, and entertainment halls in Poland.
