Prishtina, 6 February 2025
“Today, we have not gathered here merely to deliver an announcement, but together, we are opening a new chapter for electronic sports in our country.
Kosovo, the country of youth, technology, and innovation, through the engagement of each one of you, has achieved a great success – the right to host the
European Esports Championship this year,” stated Prime Minister Kurti at the opening of the event held at Prishtina Tech Park, announcing the organization
of the European Esports Championship in Kosovo.
At this event, Prime Minister Kurti was joined by the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Daulina Osmani.
“This championship will bring Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 to Prishtina, with over 250 competitors from 45 countries. “Here, in the heart of Kosovo, we will have the best players from all over Europe, whom until yesterday we only saw on our screens, but now we will see them live, competing in our country,” said
Prime Minister Kurti, adding that this event, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, is the result of a joint, strong, and continuous commitment.
Furthermore, he emphasized that Kosovo is not just a good host but also a strong competitor. “We have already proven that we can play in the big leagues – with Bad News Eagles making history with three Major appearances and Kosovo’s Dota 2 team reaching the Top 3 in the 2021 World Championship.”
Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister stated: “Beyond the three reasons why this is a great event for our country, I will also share three simple messages: For the players – continue to train and improve. You are the future of Esports in Kosovo, but at the same time, you are also our ambassadors on the international stage. For the community – continue to support and inspire this scene; And for the organizers – you have our full support, and I wish you great success.”
Prime Minister Kurti’s full speech:
Honorable Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ms. Daulina Osmani,
Honorable Secretary of the European Esports Federation, Mr. Boban Totovski,
Honorable President of the Esports Federation of Kosovo, Mr. Altin Preniqi,
Dear gamers and Esports fans,
Beloved members of the reunited Bad News Eagles team,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, we have not gathered here merely to deliver an announcement, but together, we are opening a new chapter for electronic sports in our country.
Kosovo, the country of youth, technology, and innovation, through the engagement of each one of you, has achieved a great success – the right to host the
European Esports Championship this year.
This championship will bring Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 to Prishtina, with over 250 competitors from 45 countries. Here, in the heart of Kosovo, we will have the best players from all over Europe, whom until yesterday we only saw on our screens, but now we will see them live, competing in our country.
So, unlike the name of our iconic team, Bad News Eagles – today, we only have ‘good news’.
This historic event, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, is the result of your joint, strong, and continuous engagement.
Let us not forget – Kosovo is not just a good host but also a strong competitor. We have already proven that we can play in the big leagues – with Bad News
Eagles making history with three Major appearances and Kosovo’s Dota 2 team reaching the Top 3 in the 2021 World Championship.
There are three key reasons why this is such a significant achievement for Kosovo. And indeed, in every sport, there are great teams – and Esports is no exception. With Bad News Eagles and other talented players, we are showing Europe that we compete at the highest level. Kosovo is not merely a spectator but a worthy competitor on the global Esports stage.
The second reason is that Esports is no longer just a hobby – it is also a multi-million-dollar industry. And Kosovo has its place in this industry. With this championship, we are opening doors for our talents and creating new opportunities for everyone who aspires to build a career in Esports in the future.
The third reason is that Esports is not only more than a hobby; it is also more than just a game – it is a way to better manage time and how our youth engage with technology. At a time when we are increasingly concerned about excessive phone and social media usage, Esports provides an opportunity to transform this time into something productive – an engagement that has structure, discipline, teamwork and the potential to become a career. Through investment in this field, we are not only creating new opportunities for our youth together, but we are also contributing to education and the healthy management of technology usage.
And beyond the three reasons why this is a great event for our country, I will also share three simple messages:
For the players – continue to train and improve. You are the future of Esports in Kosovo, but at the same time, you are also our ambassadors on the international stage. For the community – continue to support and inspire this scene.; And for the organizers – you have our full support, and I wish you great success.”
Together, we will continue to grow, develop, and show the world that Kosovo is a country dedicated to advancing sports and empowering its youth.
Thank you, best of luck, and see you at the European Esports Championship!
Last modified: February 7, 2025