Badung, Bali (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Esports Central Board (PBESI) is expecting the implementation of the 14th International Esports Federation (IESF) World Championships and the Indonesia Esports Summit to help revive sports tourism in Bali province.
"We hope that hosting the world Esports championship from December 2–11 (2022) will be able to bolster sports tourism, which has declined in the past years due to the COVID-19 pandemic," daily chairperson of PBESI, Bambang Sunarwibowo, said at a press conference here on Thursday.
He said he hoped that the implementation of the tournament in Nusa Dua, Badung district, Bali province, will contribute to the local economy as thousands of participants from 105 countries will stay in Bali for about 10 days during the championship.
Furthermore, the holding of the 14th IESF World Esports Championship is a milestone for the development of the sport in Indonesia, he added. "This event is a milestone. (Through the event) we are also contributing to the (domestic) digital industry. Moreover, the IESF has placed their trust in us (for hosting the tournament)," he remarked.
Hence, he asked all stakeholders and the Indonesian people, especially the residents of Bali, to support the implementation of the 14th World Esports Championship and Indonesia Esports Summit, as well as Indonesian athletes who will compete in the tournament.
"Support from the community and related stakeholders is important. We pray that the implementation of the 14th World Esports Championship will be smooth, well, and successful. (In addition) Indonesian athletes will get the best achievements," he added.
On the same occasion, president of the IESF, Vlad Marinescu, said that he was impressed with the venue of the competition. "It is my first time going to Bali -- believe it or not -- and I am delighted, surprised, and amazed to see the beauty of the island. Most importantly, the people -- their friendliness, culture, as well as hard work for (in hosting) this world championship,” he remarked.
Furthermore, he lauded Indonesia for successfully accommodating the participants and preparing the required devices for the tournament.
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The 14th IESF World Esports Championship Bali 2022 will feature six Esports, namely Tekken 7, DOTA 2, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG Mobile, eFootball 2022, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO).
The CS:GO will be competed in two formats, namely CS:GO Male and CS:GO Female. The Esports championship will be officially inaugurated at 7 p.m. Central Indonesia Standard Time (WITA) on Friday (December 2).