65 Esportsmen from 300 Countries Met at 'Istanbul GEG22'

IMM President Ekrem İmamoğlu; corporate affiliate Spor Istanbul participated in the 'Istanbul GEG65' organization, which was organized with the cooperation of the Global Esports Federation and the Turkish Esports Federation, and brought together more than 300 esports players from 22 countries. Having experienced some of the games and answering the questions of the foreign press, İmamoğlu said, “The fact that Istanbul, which is a candidate for the 2036 Olympic Games, is also hosting such a step is what excited us in this respect. Istanbul continues to bring together," he said.

Istanbul hosted the Global Esports Games (GEG), which was held for the second time this year. The international GEG22 organization, supported by İBB Spor İstanbul and Turkish Esports Federation (TESFED), was held between 15-17 December 2022 at Hilton İstanbul Bomonti Hotel and Conference Center. The most important event of the Global Esports Federation; The organization, which aims to build a bridge between sports, technology, entertainment and culture, was organized with the participation of more than 65 Esports players from 300 different countries and regions. GEG22, which is the scene of colorful images, brought together more than twice the athletes of the GEG held in Singapore in 2021 in terms of the country and the number of athletes reached. Esports players competed in front of live audiences and multi-channel broadcasts in the world finals in Istanbul.

EXPERIENCED THE GAMES, ANSWERED QUESTIONS

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) President Ekrem İmamoğlu also visited the international event and shared the competition and excitement of Esports players. Renay Onur, General Manager of Spor Istanbul, accompanied İmamoğlu during his visit. Having the chance to experience some of the games, İmamoğlu met with intense interest from local and foreign participants. Having photographed memories with esports players and participants, İmamoğlu answered the questions of foreign journalists in the event area. Stating that they are proud that Istanbul hosts the second GEGl Games in the world, İmamoğlu said, “Istanbul is a city with a population of 16 million. Perhaps the city with the youngest population average in the world. Of course, managing and being together in an area where the youth is so interested in our hosting made me and our city very happy.”

“İSTANBUL CONTINUES TO MEET”

Pointing out that Istanbul is the meeting point of the world, İmamoğlu said, “The meeting of the world with the sports habits of the new era in Istanbul, the meeting of the east and the west from the past to the present, or the fact that it is a city where many emotions come together is valuable for us. In addition, the fact that Istanbul, which is a candidate for the 2036 Olympic Games, will host such a step, has also excited us in this respect. Istanbul continues to bring together," he said. When asked about his relationship with digital games, İmamoğlu said, “I have three children. They are older; 25, 17 and 11. Periodically they close and play some games. I've tried; I could not be successful. I couldn't concentrate. I couldn't stand being a failed father to three kids. I had to quit after a while, but I enjoy watching their excitement. They play different games. I'm watching them too. I guess that's their game. We will continue to be good viewers. I have no intention of being an actor for now.”