Global esports organisation G2 Esports hosted senior politicians and esports leaders at its Berlin headquarters on Tuesday night to discuss how Germany can grow its gaming and competitive esports scene.

The official release states that the panel was moderated by G2 Chief Operating Officer Sabrina Ratih and included Franziska Giffey, Berlin’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises, G2 CEO Alban Dechelotte, FIFA world champion and creator Mo Auba, and Julius Althof from the Esports Player Foundation.

The primary objective of the discussion was to identify what Germany needs to compete with leading esports nations and how to better support young players pursuing gaming careers. Speakers highlighted key priorities such as improving training facilities, optimizing event logistics, and making the industry more attractive to investors.

Another major topic was how to support players at every level, not just top professionals. For example, what government officials could do to support local clubs, coaching, education, and career guidance. The discussion also highlighted esports as a way to bring different communities together in Berlin, giving young people new career paths in technology, media, and entertainment.

Global Esports Industry Week (GEIW) will return in 2026 with a bigger and bolder edition, taking place across 18–21 June in Cologne, Germany, alongside IEM Cologne. The schedule and details about ticket sales are available in this link.

The evening ended with a networking reception where industry and government representatives agreed they share the same goal of growing esports in the country.

The discussion took place a few months after the German federal government moved toward recognising esports as a non profit activity, which officials say could benefit youth development and gaming clubs across the country.

Germany’s role in global esports is expected to grow further in 2026 when Global Esports Industry Week returns to Cologne from June 18 to 21 alongside IEM Cologne, a major international tournament in Counter-Strike. GEIW 2026 will bring together senior leaders from game publishers & developers, brands, tournament operators, teams, agencies, education, alongside other stakeholders.

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