The Colombian Official Esports-COC-GAT Esports alliance will promote and implement national tournaments and events in various esports disciplines, with the participation of athletes from across the country. Its goal is to compete in Bolivarian, South American, Central American, Pan American, and European competitions, ultimately leading to Colombia's participation in the 2027 Esports Olympic Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Colombia is experiencing a unique moment in esports, as the Congress of the Republic unanimously approved a law officially recognizing esports as a sport. Once the law is passed, esports will be incorporated into the National Sports System and will be able to create esports federations, clubs, and leagues. This paves the way for the development of professional players, access to resources, and international representation in sports competitions, including the Esports Olympic Games announced by the IOC.

Event Highlights:

1. GAT Expo Academy

Date: Monday, April 28

Time: 2:40 p.m.

Location: Nueva Granada Room, Las Américas Convention Center

As part of the GAT Cartagena Academic Agenda, the "Future of Esports, an Open Horizon" panel will be held at the Las Américas Convention Center.

Participants: Jorge Franco, Treasurer of the Colombian Olympic Committee; José Aníbal Aguirre, GAT CEO; Juan Carlos Araujo, Manager of the Las Américas Hotel; Ricardo Smith Rodríguez, Manager of iSports Sports Marketing Agency; and Jessica Vásquez, iSports Sports Marketing Agency.

1. GAT Expo Booth Exhibition

Date: April 29, 2025

Time: 2:00 p.m.
Venue: Santa María Hall, Las Américas Convention Center, Cartagena

Program:

·        Formal opening ceremony and official announcement of the COC-COE-GAT alliance with the presence of authorities, exhibitors, regulators, and national and international associations from the legal gaming industry and the media.

·        Tour of the exhibition halls.

·        Question time and toast at the COC-COE-GAT Esports stand.

Background:

·        The Colombian Olympic Committee has been working intensively with Colombian Official Esports on the topic of esports since 2022, achieving a presence and representation in national and international events and tournaments.

GAT has included esports in its portfolio of trade shows and showrooms by creating GAT Esports, an event it has held consecutively for four years in Cartagena and Bogotá. In 2024, the organization held the GAT Esports Academy, an unprecedented esports summit, bringing together universities, parliamentarians, gaming communities, video game creators, and the media.

Key figures: Colombia has over 10 million active players, making it one of the most influential markets in the region.

The alliance between the Colombian Olympic Committee, Colombian Official Esports, and GAT Esports opens new opportunities for the development and international projection of esports in Colombia, increasingly integrating them into the national sports ecosystem.