E-Sports Makes Its Debut at the 2026 National Youth Sports Festival in Busan
The inclusion of e-sports as an official event in the 2026 National Youth Sports Festival in Busan marks a significant shift in the landscape of competitive sports in South Korea. This development comes after extensive discussions and planning, with the necessary conditions being met to ensure the successful integration of e-sports into the national youth sports competition.
Kim Seung-soo, a member of the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee, highlighted that the Korea Sports Council has conditionally approved e-sports for the festival. The approval was based on two key requirements: securing a budget for participation expenses and establishing a proper athlete registration system. These conditions were met in 2024, paving the way for e-sports to officially participate in the 2026 event.
Comprehensive Review and Strategic Planning
The Korea Sports Association is conducting a thorough review of various factors to ensure the sustainable growth of e-sports within the framework of the National Youth Sports Festival. This includes assessing the status of international competitions such as the Olympics and Asian Games, evaluating the level of domestic supply, and analyzing the registration of athletes and teams across different regions over the past three years. Additionally, the association is examining the “virtuous cycle structure by age” when introducing new sports like e-sports.
As part of this process, the Korea Sports Council voted to conditionally adopt e-sports as a sport for the youth sports competition in February 2024. The decision was made under the assumption that the necessary budget for participation would be secured and that a proper athlete registration system would be established.
Government Support and Budget Challenges
Despite the positive developments, challenges remain. In response to parliamentary inquiries, the Korea Sports Council stated that while efforts are ongoing to include e-sports in national competitions, the 2026 government budget does not currently reflect the necessary funding. The council has committed to re-evaluating the budget during the next year’s budgeting process.
Chairman Yoo Seung-min of the Korea Sports Council expressed support for the inclusion of e-sports in national events, including the Youth Sports Festival. He emphasized his commitment to promoting e-sports as a recognized sport, aligning with his election pledge earlier this year.
Current Status of E-Sports Athletes
According to data from the Korea Sports Council’s sports support portal (as of October 25), there are currently 986 registered e-sports athletes. The breakdown shows that 971 are male and 15 are female. Among them, 443 are members of workplace sports teams, 241 are affiliated with regional teams, and 202 are part of other organizations. Notably, 247 athletes are under the age of 18, with 106 under 15 and 10 under 12.
This data highlights the growing interest in e-sports among younger generations and underscores the need for structured programs to nurture talent and ensure long-term sustainability.
Global Competition and Policy Needs
Representative Kim Seung-soo pointed out that global competitors such as Saudi Arabia and China are actively investing in e-sports, aiming to establish dominance in the international arena. He emphasized that South Korea, as a leading nation in e-sports, must prioritize player development and systematic government support to maintain its position.
However, the lack of policy consistency remains a challenge. The division of responsibilities within the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has led to fragmented approaches. To address this, Kim called for the establishment of an integrated control tower that can oversee both content and sports-related initiatives.
Future Prospects
With the official adoption of e-sports at the 2026 National Youth Sports Festival, the stage is set for a new era of competitive gaming in South Korea. As the country continues to invest in infrastructure, training, and policy frameworks, e-sports is poised to become a major force in the global sports landscape.