Russian Ministry of Sports issued an official directive that E-Sports is now included in the list of officially recognized disciplines. It has it's own unique code now. 1240002411M. More importantly this directive means that athletes will be able to receive ranks:
Master of Sports (you need to win Russian championship / cup)
World-class athlete (you need to win a recognized international event)
Honoured Master of Sports (multiple wins + constant work on popularization)
E-Sports was on the list in the past (2001-2006), but was excluded in 2006 by then-minister Fetisov (former hockey player).
On June 09 2016 00:49 IntoTheheart wrote: Would this change getting visas to play in Russian tournaments for foreign nationals, or has that traditionally not been an issue with Russia?
First of all, there are not many off-line tournaments to start with, but yes, it would help. However, it is usually easy to get a visa to Russia. You know, it's easy to come to Russia, getting out - that's tricky
As you may remember 3-time champion (WCG / Need for speed) Alan Enileev carried the Olympic flag during opening ceremony in Sochi. So, Russian officials actually treated E-Sports well.
On the other hand, we simply don't have tournaments. Probably because of high organizational costs. Well, if I had 10^6 USD, I would make a really cool tournament rather than spend everything on booze/coke/...
I really hope to see some SCll references in Korea-2022.
On June 09 2016 01:43 IAmWithStupid wrote: As you may remember 3-time champion (WCG / Need for speed) Alan Enileev carried the Olympic flag during opening ceremony in Sochi. So, Russian officials actually treated E-Sports well.
On the other hand, we simply don't have tournaments. Probably because of high organizational costs. Well, if I had 10^6 USD, I would make a really cool tournament rather than spend everything on booze/coke/...
I really hope to see some SCll references in Korea-2022.
On June 09 2016 01:45 IAmWithStupid wrote: @Musicus Nice one! Let's decide once and for all and I'll edit all my posts after that.
I mean it's just for fun, since in the end we don't get to decide I guess. The media gets to decide I think, but it's stupid that when I go to espn esports, even they can't decide how to write it.