Singapore Has Passed a Law Recognizing Esports As a Sport

What This Designation Means

With this bill passed, Sports Singapore (SportSG) can now provide support based on the needs and standards of each activity. SportSG is a board under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth in the Singaporean government. It was founded on October 1, 1973.

"Mind sports such as chess and bridge, along with e-sports, would be formally recognised as sports if a bill introduced into [Singapore's] parliament on Tuesday November 4 is enacted into law." https://t.co/kLbLljWrzN
— Olimpiu Di Luppi (@olimpiuurcan) November 4, 2025

This comes as Singapore has been a hot spot for esports, including hosting the largest global Dota 2 tournament, The International, in 2022. Singapore was the first Southeast Asian country to host it. In 2023, Singapore hosted the first Olympic Esports Week and, in 2024, the World Chess Championship.

That said, Alex Yam, a Member of Parliament for the People's Action Party, provided clarification that this designation does not necessarily imply equal funding.

"SportSG retains the discretion to assess governance standards, athlete pathways and alignment with national objectives," said Mr Yam, who is the chairperson of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Culture, Community and Youth, per CNA.

"We should be inclusive without being indiscriminate. Public resources must continue to be stewarded carefully and transparently."

Still, this bill is essential to the culture there.

“The bill is an important enabler in driving Singapore’s sporting culture, and for our national sport ecosystem to be inclusive, dynamic, and future-ready,” said David Neo, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth. “It reaffirms that sport is for everyone, regardless of age or ability, and our effort for every Singaporean to live better through sport.”

Singapore and Esports Moving Forward

Along with this bill, there's plenty of esports coming Singapore's way.

In 2025, the Singapore Tourism Board signed a multi-year pact with BLAST to bring four high-profile events to the country. Additionally, Razer opened the AI Centre of Excellence there, a significant investment in AI gaming.

Additionally, this November, the PGL will host a Counter-Strike Major in Singapore at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.