Singapore Officially Recognizes Esports as a Sport

The Parliament of Singapore has passed a bill recognizing esports as an official sport. The decision was adopted on January 14, 2026, and also covers so-called mind sports, including chess.

Amendments to the Singapore Sports Council Bill officially updated the Singapore Sports Council Act of 1973, incorporating esports and intellectual disciplines into it. After the amendments come into force, the organization Sport Singapore (SportSG) will be able to provide support to these areas, taking into account their specific characteristics, governance rules, and development standards. The main goal of the new law is to adapt the country’s sports system to modern competition formats and ensure its sustainable development.

In addition to granting official status to esports, the law also expands the powers of SportSG. It предусматриває the creation of new training centers for athletes, as well as the establishment of new standards for coaching and sports science.

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo emphasized that the adopted document plays a key role in shaping Singapore’s modern sports culture. According to him, the law will contribute to the development of the sports ecosystem and emphasizes the idea of accessibility of sports for people of all ages and skill levels.

The bill was approved three months after its first reading in Parliament, which took place on November 4, 2025. As a result, Singapore has joined a limited group of countries where esports are officially recognized as a sport at the level of national legislation.

Singapore Esports in 2026

In recent years, Singapore esports have significantly strengthened their position and become one of the key markets in Southeast Asia. In August 2025, the Singapore Tourism Board signed a multi-year agreement with BLAST, under which four large-scale tournaments are planned to be held in the country.

At the same time, the brand Razer opened an AI Centre of Excellence in Singapore, investing in the development of AI gaming and innovative gaming products.

In addition, this November, tournament operator PGL will host a Counter-Strike Major in Singapore. The final stage of the competition will take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium, once again highlighting the country’s growing role on the global esports scene.