Esports Event in Alicante Signals Growth Across Europe and North America
This weekend, a diverse group of 52 players from 20 universities gathered at the Digital District facilities in Alicante to compete in the Amazon University Esports Finals, a competition organized by GGTech through its technology-driven venture. The event blended high-stakes matches with a series of conferences and community activities, creating a space where young talents could showcase ideas for new tools and services for the sector.
In total, organizers expect more than 200 attendees across the events, a signal of how the industry is expanding beyond competition into a broader ecosystem. The program aims to energize the entire esports pipeline—from dedicated developers and event organizers to professionals who support players and help advance the scene.
Key remarks during the opening included statements by Alberto Martín, GGTech’s director of Business Development; Andrea Asensi, project manager for Amazon University Esports; and Santiago Ambit, coordinator of Digital Zone. They emphasized the event’s role as a launching pad for collaboration and innovation, just before the official start of the competition.
In a summary of the proceedings, Santiago Ambit noted that esports represents a major commitment for the Generalitat’s technology centers to support the video game industry in the Valencian Community. Industry data from DEV, the main employers’ association, indicates a substantial market impact, with a value of over one billion euros in 2020 and plans to nearly double by 2024. The appeal of online competitions has grown substantially, especially among younger audiences, with millions watching on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch.
The GGTech league, characterized by its amateur format and scholarships, awarded a prize package valued at 80,000 euros in this edition. The competition drew 2,500 players from 70 universities across Spain, according to Andrea Asensi, highlighting the breadth of participation across the country.
Esports activity is expanding beyond Spain as Dodit, a prominent player in the industry, reports a strong early year performance and ongoing international expansion. Since its launch seven editions ago, Dodit has broadened its reach to Latin America with a regional hub in Mexico, along with operations in Chile, Colombia, and Argentina. Europe has seen a steady expansion into Italy, England, France, Germany, Poland, and Turkey, with efforts to establish a presence in Africa and the Middle East, including Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Alberto Martín notes that Dodit is now positioning itself to enter the North American market, signaling a broader global growth strategy.
Parents and educators are beginning to view video games through a more favorable lens. The management team emphasizes that some families now recognize the possibility of pursuing professional opportunities in gaming, alongside traditional sports. Educators are increasingly using video games as tools to engage students and support learning, and Dodit organizes activities with vocational training centers and technical institutes to foster skill development among youth.
The industry’s talent challenge remains recruitment and development. The professionals needed span a wide spectrum, from players and game developers to event managers and support staff. Initiatives like the weekend hackathon are designed to spark curiosity among young people and encourage more students to see esports as a viable career option.
On another front, Digital Region coordinator Santiago Ambit returned from Ciudad de la Luz and spoke about potential collaborations between the film and video game industries following a Brussels-approved agreement. GGTech’s business development lead highlighted a partnership with a major global studio, exploring co-produced content that could benefit both entertainment segments. Although GGTech has roots in Madrid, its Digital District hub hosts Dodit and serves as a key base for operations that include the Amazon University Esports league in Alicante. The company employs more than 200 people, with over 80 based in Alicante, underscoring the region’s growing role in the esports ecosystem.
References: Industry data from DEV and statements by GGTech leadership are cited for context on the market’s scale and expansion trajectories. The event and partnerships described illustrate a broader strategy to integrate education, entertainment, and business development in esports.