The Hungarian Esports Federation (HUNESZ) has taken a proactive approach to nurture the esports ecosystem by launching a call for proposals as part of the European Grassroots Esport project. This initiative aimed to support individuals, organizations, and groups in developing grassroots esports activities between March - July 2024 in Hungary. Recognizing the necessity of cultivating young talent, HUNESZ provided a robust knowledge base to empower participants, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive.

The primary goals of the initiative were to:

• Foster Community and Active Lifestyles: Encourage young esports athletes to build value-driven communities and engage in both online and offline events that promote a balanced, physically active lifestyle.
  Innovate Support Methods: Experiment with a unique support mechanism, offering non-monetary assistance through HUNESZ’s extensive expertise and resources, which are crucial in an industry where financial constraints can hinder grassroots development.

The program targeted primarily HUNESZ members and secondarily, broader audiences with gaming or esports-related interests, aiming to create a sustainable framework for talent and community development.

For its call announcement, HUNESZ received five proposals, ultimately selecting the Hungarian Pro Club League (HPCL) for its comprehensive community-building and educational initiatives. HPCL's project emphasized recruitment, integration, education, mentoring, and sustainability, aligning well with the federation's vision. The project facilitated seamless integration for new participants and provided continuous education on league operations and best practices.

HPCL introduced a ‘Grassroots Division League System’ to accommodate newly recruited teams. This system featured flexible scheduling and support, including educational materials and mentorship programs led by veteran managers. Through structured online meetings and regular updates, HUNESZ maintained oversight, ensuring the project stayed on course.

The pilot project concluded with promising results, highlighting the importance of clear communication, community involvement, and leveraging the expertise of experienced stakeholders. Notable achievements include:

• Successful execution of an esports cup as part of a recruitment initiative, allowing new teams to gain league experience.
• Creation of educational resources and a structured mentorship program, providing ongoing support to participants.

The pilot’s flexible framework and scalable model make it adaptable for other countries and regions. By focusing on community building and continuous education, HUNESZ aims to replicate this success across different esports contexts.

As esports grows, ethical sponsorship becomes paramount. HUNESZ emphasizes the need for sponsors to align with values of inclusion and equality, particularly in supporting underrepresented groups such as women, para-athletes, and the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Ethical partnerships can help ensure that esports remains an inclusive space for all.

HUNESZ’s grassroots initiative sets a precedent for sustainable growth in the esports sector in Hungary. By fostering community, education, and ethical sponsorship, the federation is paving the way for future success. As esports continues to evolve, such programs will be instrumental in shaping a diverse and inclusive community, ensuring that the industry remains accessible and engaging for everyone involved.

To access the full report, please follow the link: https://esports.isca.org/resources