Colombian Olympic Committee, GAT Expo, and Colombian Official Esports Announce Historic Partnership to Promote Esports as an Olympic Discipline in Colombia

The partnership, supported by the recent approval of the bill regulating esports and allowing the process of incorporation into the National Sports System, seeks to create competitive circuits with Olympic standards, develop local talent, and achieve international recognition. "For the Colombian Olympic Committee, it's a pleasure to work hand in hand with a company that has demonstrated its seriousness. You're seeing this great fair, which speaks volumes. We've worked to advance the reality of esports. Colombia has truly made progress; the law was recently passed; all that's left is for it to be sanctioned. We must implement the motto of this fair: responsible entertainment, regulating esports so we can have many young people practicing it. Today, the IOC has recognized them, so much so that the first Olympics for this sport will be held. Of course, we will work with the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Education to implement appropriate regulations in Colombia."

For his part, José Aníbal Aguirre, General Manager of GAT Esports, stated that "with this alliance, we will not only integrate a new generation of athletes, but we will also work in tournaments with a professional structure and real opportunities for the development of Colombian players. GAT Esports will be the ideal setting to materialize this project, combining technological innovation, sporting rigor, stops, and tournaments, because Colombia deserves to be a protagonist in the era of digital sports."

These opportunities will translate into concrete benefits in the medium term: professional players will have access to specialized training and health support aligned with the COC's wellness programs for Colombian athletes. In addition, competitions will be held on official circuits with a schedule of national and international tournaments that facilitate qualifiers.

Coljuegos President Marco Emilio Hincapié commented: “I welcome this partnership. I experienced the great event GAT held with the youth here in Cartagena last year and really enjoyed it. It's clear there's enthusiasm and desire to bring these ideas to fruition. I wish them much success.”

Félix Burgos Méndez, Advisor to the Colombian Olympic Committee and President of Colombian Official Esports, a COC affiliated entity that promotes the growth of esports, expressed: “It's very important that this partnership bears fruit, and we are willing to support every step GAT Esports takes to engage the gaming community and advance in securing resources to develop the project.”

First Day of Exhibition

The inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony was presided over by Colombia's highest regulatory authority, Marco Emilio Hincapié, accompanied by Juan Carlos Santaella, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Gaming Commission; Elizabeth Maya Cano, President of Cornazar; Fernando Calderón, President of SONAJA; Luz Estella Correa, Executive Director of Fedelco; Diego Hernández, Manager of the Boyacá Lottery and Vice President of Fedelco; and Juan Carlos Araujo, Manager of the Las Américas Hotel and Convention Center.

GAT opened its doors with a vibrant day, marked by innovation, technology, and strategic networking. More than 1,500 entrepreneurs toured the Nueva Granada hall and shared ideas in a dynamic and professional environment.

Today, April 30, GAT Expo Cartagena closes with one last opportunity to visit the trade show. Starting at 2:00 p.m., the Las Américas Convention Center will reopen its doors for visitors and buyers to conduct business, discover cutting-edge solutions, and strengthen ties in a highly effective networking environment.