New Training Centre to Elevate Singapore’s Esports Scene

Plans to establish a centralised training centre for esports athletes in Singapore are set to launch next month. This initiative aims to nurture local gaming talent and pave the way for aspiring players to become professional esports competitors. The Singapore Esports Association is spearheading this effort and will collaborate with regional partners to create qualification pathways for major competitions across the region.

The move comes as the association actively works to strengthen the local esports ecosystem, coinciding with proposed legislative changes that seek to officially recognise esports as a sport. This shift is part of a broader effort to enhance the status of gaming within the sports landscape in Singapore.

Challenges Faced by Aspiring Esports Athletes

Esports athlete Sha Mohtar, known by his gamer tag ZesBeeW, turned professional at the age of 14. Over the past decade, he has competed internationally against some of the best players in the world. Despite the seemingly glamorous lifestyle associated with professional gaming, Sha shared the challenges that come with it, including long hours, financial strain, and limited opportunities.

“Not a lot of people can actually fund it, because it’s very expensive. You actually need to pay for a minimum of like five players and then you need a coach,” he explained. He believes that while Singapore has abundant raw talent, the lack of funding and developmental pathways remains a significant barrier for many local gamers hoping to turn their passion into a viable career.

The recent hosting of BLAST Slam IV, a highly anticipated esports tournament, has sparked optimism within the local gaming community. This event attracted fans from around the world and highlighted the potential for growth in the industry.

A Legislative Push for Recognition

On November 4, 2023, the Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill was presented in parliament by Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, David Neo. This bill aims to formally recognise esports as a legitimate sport, reflecting the increasing diversity and aspirations of Singaporeans within the sporting domain.

Ng Chong Geng, president of the Singapore Esports Association, noted that this recognition will provide a clearer framework for government agencies to engage with the esports community. “Before that, they had to use custom structures or special ways to be able to deal with us, because we’re not technically or officially a sport,” he added.

Despite facing challenges such as cheating scandals and declining attendance at gaming events since 2023, Ng expressed optimism that the proposed legislation would rejuvenate the industry and cultivate stronger commercial partnerships.

Ng envisions a comprehensive ecosystem that identifies top talent, facilitates high-level training and competition, and develops supporting roles to ensure sustainable growth. “We are actually looking at a few partners which are willing to do multiple esports events in Singapore, and we’re starting to build this up,” he stated. Collaborative efforts with Southeast Asian countries aim to create consistent competitions and pathways to prestigious events like the SEA Games and the Asian Games.

The Singapore Tourism Board has also shown support for the esports community, recognising its potential to attract international visitors and enhance Singapore’s appeal as a global destination. Ray Ng, CEO and founder of esports event organiser Claxon Tournaments, remarked on the industry’s rapid growth, stating, “It is only natural that we have to catch up and ensure there are structured avenues and support systems for people of all ages to enter it.”

For years, the development of esports has relied heavily on community-led initiatives. Ray Ng emphasised the need for accessible resources and guidance for aspiring players. “With this door being unlocked, what we’re hoping to see is a more guided pathway… with proper training centres, more dedicated resources that are not profit-driven, but based on the success and the growth of these players.”

As the centralised training centre prepares to open, the Singapore esports community stands at a pivotal moment, with the potential to cultivate a thriving ecosystem that supports and elevates local talent on the global stage.