Global Esports Industry Week Announced

Business

06 February 2026 14:16

TL;DR

ESL, ESIC, and The Esports Radar announce Global Esports Industry Week in Cologne, Germany.
The event runs from June 18th to 21st alongside the IEM Cologne Major.
Industry leaders will gather for workshops, forums, and networking sessions.

ESL, the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC), and esports publication The Esports Radar have officially partnered to deliver Global Esports Industry Week, set to take place in Cologne, Germany. The multi-day business and networking event will run from June 18th to 21st, coinciding with the IEM Cologne Major, one of the biggest tournaments on the Counter-Strike calendar.

Designed as a meeting point for key stakeholders across competitive gaming, Global Esports Industry Week aims to create space for meaningful discussion around the present and future of the esports industry. The event builds on the success of its inaugural edition in 2025 and promises an expanded programme for 2026.

According to the official announcement, attendees can expect a packed schedule featuring workshops, forums, and curated gatherings. Representatives from major organisations including the Esports World Cup Foundation, MOONTON Games, HEROIC, and tournament organiser BLAST are set to take part, reflecting the broad reach of the event across publishers, teams, and event operators.

A central pillar of the week will be the ESIC Global Esports Summit, a conference focused on esports business, integrity, and sustainable long-term growth. For 2026, the summit has been fully integrated into the wider Global Esports Industry Week programme, reinforcing its role within the overall event.

“Integrity, governance, and long-term sustainability remain critical priorities for esports,” said Stephen Hanna, CEO of ESIC. “By once again embedding both the ESIC Global Esports Summit and IGET Expert Workshop within Global Esports Industry Week, we’re creating a stronger, more unified platform for meaningful dialogue and action.”

The event will also spotlight education and community development through the Edu Summit, a panel discussion exploring the rapid growth of esports and its increasing integration into educational curricula around the world. This session will examine how schools, universities, and training programmes are adapting to the expanding esports ecosystem.

Tags: Global

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