tech

April 25, 2026

Ognjen Drašković: "Esports is a tool for national branding that countries must utilize"

In anticipation of the Montenegro Future Festival (MFF) to be held in Bar in April 2026, we spoke with Ognjen Drašković, President of the Esports Association of Serbia. With extensive experience in traditional sports media and a key role in the Arena Sport system, Drašković offers a unique perspective on how the lines between classic sports and digital competitions are blurring, and why institutional support is crucial for the success of the entire region.

Ognjen Drašković: "Esports is a tool for national branding that countries must utilize"

TL;DR

  • Esports in Serbia and the Balkan region is experiencing rapid development, with a need for institutionalization, clear rules, and robust infrastructure.
  • Traditional sports are integrating esports through partnerships, while esports adopts production and organizational standards from traditional sports.
  • National federations are crucial for organizing championships, player/coach education, and securing state support for a structured esports ecosystem.
  • Television plays a role in popularizing esports by making it understandable to a wider audience, especially parents, while digital platforms remain key for viewership.
  • Esports serves as a tool for national branding, enhancing a country's visibility to a global digital audience and attracting technological investment.
  • Media, traditional sports, and esports should coordinate to achieve mutual benefits.
  • The Montenegro Future Festival in Bar in April 2026 aims to foster regional esports growth.

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