Berlin Announces New Esports Junior Team and Funds 20 Young Esports Talents

Berlin is investing in young esports talent through its 'Esports Team Berlin' initiative. At a press event held at LVL World of Gaming and attended by Franziska Giffey, Mayor and Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, young talents who will be supported by the esports player foundation over the next eight months were presented.

The Esports Team Berlin initiative aims to support young Berliners on their journey to becoming professional esports players. It provides game-specific coaching, sports psychology support, multi-day boot camps, nutritional advice, exercise programmes and a strong network. Focus is placed on the games League of Legends, EA Sports FC and Brawl Stars.

"The esports and games industry is one of the most dynamic sectors of our time, and Berlin is at the heart of it. Around half of the industry's nationwide turnover is generated here. The new 'Esports Team Berlin' funding programme is the first initiative to promote young esports talent directly in the capital. Through this programme, the city's economic administration is supporting young Berliners in developing their skills so they can compete at national and international levels. This funding demonstrates our commitment to the future potential of this sector, as well as its potential to drive growth in Berlin. Gaming has long been about more than just entertainment; it is an innovative force with a knock-on effect on many other economic and technological fields. With the House of Games, which we have just announced the location of, a central platform for exchange, creative development and entrepreneurial know-how is also being created. Soon, a diverse range of players from the worlds of gaming, esports and creative tech will be working together under one roof," said Franziska Giffey, Mayor and Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises.

Around 400 young esports talents applied. The top 40 were invited to a two-day selection camp. There, experienced coaches from the esports player foundation assessed their gaming skills, potential, teamwork, communication skills, and mental resilience. Ultimately, the 20 most talented individuals were selected for the programme.

"The selection process was anything but easy. The quality of the applications was outstanding, demonstrating the huge potential of Berlin's esports scene. Our goal is to nurture these talents not only in terms of their gaming skills, but holistically too – professionally, responsibly, and with a view to the future," says Julius Althoff, Managing Director of the esports player foundation.

The esports player foundation applies the expertise of traditional sports promotion to the world of esports. It supports young and established talent by professionalising training, providing financial assistance, and offering comprehensive advice on legal and health matters. The esports player foundation is funded by the state governments of North Rhine-Westphalia and Berlin, as well as by business partners including Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Kreditbank, Deutsche Telekom, Techniker Krankenkasse, and many more.

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