Sweden makes amendments to allow esports players to enter the country

The Swedish government has made amendments to allow esports players to enter the country. From now on, the country recognizes esports as a quality and will allow players to enter the country on sports visas. This news is expected to be the starting point for the official approval of PGL Stockholm Major 2021, as the tournament has been in limbo for a long time due to the coronavirus pandemic and related restrictions in the country.

Let's remind that earlier it was almost impossible for players from outside Europe to get a visa. After the transfer of The International 2021 for Dota 2 to Romania, the authorities started negotiations with PGL, which was thinking about postponing the championship. The main conditions of the organizers were amendments that would allow participants to enter the tournament, and the admission of fans to the stands.

Officially, the amendments will enter into force in a week, but, apparently, this is already a mere formality. Swedish Interior Minister Mikael Damberg commented and approved the amendments, referring to the experience of other European countries:

We want esports players to be treated the same as elite athletes. As it turned out, other European countries have a broader understanding of what sport is.

At the same time, it should be noted that restrictions on holding open events with spectators in the country are still valid. The final decision on their revision will be made on September 15.

PGL Stockholm Major 2021 is scheduled from October 23rd to November 7th at Avicii Arena. The total prize pool of the championship will be $ 2,000,000.