Esports in Türkiye: Opportunities and obstacles

From cybercafe gatherings to packed stadiums, esports in Türkiye has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last two decades. The country now boasts millions of active gamers and a rapidly expanding professional ecosystem. Yet, challenges remain behind the excitement of major tournaments and international success stories.

In a special discussion, three key figures in Turkish esports weigh in on the state of the industry. Ahmet Yilmaz, known as “Coach Nova,” is the general manager of Boost Gate Esports, an advisor coach for Direct Rising, and CCO of an ed-tech enterprise specializing in esports education. Salih Onaran, better known as “marqnue,” serves as the head coach of BBL Esports, having played a crucial role in shaping some of the country’s top teams. Rounding out the panel is Kaan Kural, a longtime sports analyst, caster, and contributor at Socrates Dergi, whose insights span gaming, basketball, and broader sports culture in Türkiye.

Enes Kilic spoke with them about the evolution of Turkish esports, the hurdles players and teams still face, and what needs to change for Türkiye to cement itself as a dominant force on the global stage.

Expansion of Turkish esports scene

In the early 2000s, competitive gaming in Türkiye was largely confined to grassroots tournaments. Over time, investment from major game publishers and the rise of globally popular titles such as League of Legends and Valorant facilitated industry growth. This led to an increase in professional teams, tournaments, and audience engagement. The establishment of the Turkish Esports Federation in 2018 under the Ministry of Youth and Sports marked a turning point, providing official recognition and regulatory oversight for the sector.

Business landscape for esports in Türkiye

The business aspect of esports in Türkiye is still developing. Countries with established esports ecosystems, such as South Korea and China, benefit from structured league systems, stable team funding and widespread audience engagement. In contrast, Türkiye’s esports sector faces difficulties in securing long-term revenue. 

“Most teams are still struggling to maintain financial stability. Sponsorships provide short-term relief, but we need sustainable revenue models like media rights and ticketed events,” explained Kaan Kural, a sports analyst and caster. Many teams struggle to maintain consistent funding, and prize pools from international competitions serve as a key income source rather than local business initiatives.

Infrastructure and competitive challenges

Training facilities in Türkiye, while improving, still do not match the standards seen in Europe, North America, or Asia. This puts Turkish players at a disadvantage at the root level when competing internationally. While some teams provide dedicated spaces for training, many operate out of shared housing arrangements that do not offer optimal conditions for professional development, the panelists point out. 

Additionally, Turkish players often face difficulties in obtaining visas for international competitions, which limits their opportunities to gain global recognition. The Turkish Esports Federation has made progress in addressing these issues, but further support is needed to bring the industry to global standards.

A structured development system for aspiring players is still lacking. Unlike in countries where young talent is nurtured through established training programs, many Turkish players must choose between pursuing an esports career and continuing formal education. 

“Young players often face an impossible choice between their education and esports. Without a clear path, many promising talents drop out of the scene prematurely,” noted Yilmaz. This lack of systematic player development contributes to uncertainty about long-term career prospects in the field.

Future outlook

The Turkish esports industry has the potential to expand its influence within its region. Given the increasing investment in esports by Gulf nations, Türkiye could position itself as a regional hub, attracting both talent and investors. However, achieving this requires stronger financial backing, improved infrastructure, and greater institutional support.

While challenges remain, the trajectory of Turkish esports suggests continued expansion and growth. With strategic investments and institutional support, the industry can strengthen its position both regionally and internationally.