Singapore seeks recognising esports as an official sport
Singapore is set to formally recognise esports as an official sport under the proposed Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill 2025. If passed, esports will be placed alongside traditional sports such as football, swimming, chess, and bridge. The move reflects a shift in how competitive activities are defined in a digital age, acknowledging the growing role of esports in national and international arenas.
Singapore recognises growing esports industry
The Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill 2025, introduced on 4 November, aims to update the 1973 Act that governs national sports policy. The proposed changes reflect the need to adapt to digital developments in competitive activities.
If passed, Sport Singapore (SportSG) will formally expand its scope beyond traditional athletics to include esports and mind sports. They will oversee areas such as facility accreditation, coaching certification, equipment standards, and athlete development for esports and mind sports, responsibilities previously limited to traditional sports.
Key proposals in bill
The central change in the Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill 2025 is a broader definition of sport. It aims to include physical, digital, and cognitive activities under the same framework, giving esports and mind sports formal recognition.
The Bill also strengthens collaboration with the Singapore National Paralympic Council, ensuring that esports and mind sports are accessible to athletes of all abilities. To support the broader scope, the Bill proposes increasing the number of Council members from 15 to 25, allowing for more diverse representation, including professionals from the esports sector.
Esports gains ground in Singapore
Singapore has established itself as a regional centre for online competition by hosting several esports events in recent years, such as The International 2022 for Dota 2 and the first Olympic Esports Week in 2023.
With yearly increases of 13.3 percent and 9.2 percent, respectively, officials at Gamescom Asia 2024 claimed consistent growth in the video game and esports sectors. Participation in mind sports like chess is also rising. With Singapore hosting the World Chess Championship recently, the country’s chess participation has increased by around 20 percent since 2022.
Additionally, the Bill might make it possible for esports to be incorporated into educational programmes and youth development programmes, which would provide future talent with organised pathways. Singapore’s action may lead to more extensive conversations about esports’ participation in future Olympic competitions as the sport gains popularity abroad.
Industry reacts to bill
Razer CEO Min-Liang Tan welcomed the proposed Bill, describing it as a step forward for the gaming sector. Tan, who grew up in Singapore during a time when gaming lacked mainstream acceptance, said the move reflects broader recognition of esports as a legitimate competitive field.
Public attitudes towards esports have shifted in recent years. Once viewed as a casual pastime, it is now seen as a structured and competitive activity with career potential. Razer’s establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence in Singapore highlights the intersection of gaming, technology, and economic development.
Singapore’s esports sector builds on existing foundations
Singaporean esports athletes such as Daryl “iceiceice” Koh and Wong “Chawy” Xing Lei have gained international recognition, contributing to the country’s growing presence in competitive gaming. The country has hosted major events like The International 2022 and entered multi-year partnerships with global esports organisations, reinforcing its role in the regional esports’ ecosystem.
The Singapore Sports Council (Amendment) Bill must go through multiple readings in Parliament. If approved, it will require the President’s assent before being published in the Government Gazette. Once enacted, Singapore will become one of the few countries to recognise esports as a sport legally.
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