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April 18, 2026

"The Region No Longer Has an Excuse to Be Late": Goran Kuzmić on the Professionalization of Balkan Esports

As Bar prepares to become the center of the global gaming world from April 24-26, 2026, we bring you a conversation with Goran Kuzmić, director of the Esports Umbrella organization. As one of the key players transforming the regional scene, Kuzmić explains why esports in the Balkans is no longer just a hobby, but a serious system ready for global challenges.

"The Region No Longer Has an Excuse to Be Late": Goran Kuzmić on the Professionalization of Balkan Esports

TL;DR

  • Esports in the Western Balkans is transitioning from an emerging scene to a serious, formed system.
  • Esports Umbrella has built the foundation for a functional ecosystem, including leagues, player contracts, rules, and integrity control.
  • The main challenges are overcoming the mentality that esports is not serious and addressing disorganization and lack of standards.
  • Professional contracts and partnerships with global entities like Sportradar are key to keeping pace.
  • Local talents are being connected to global opportunities through consistent competition and international recognition.
  • Events like the Montenegro Future Festival demonstrate the region's capacity to host a serious industry and showcase its achievements.
  • The goal is to shift the perception of esports, treating it as a serious sport with discipline, control, and a clear business model.
  • Esports is now an industry, requiring seriousness, discipline, and long-term thinking from participants.

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