How Budapest is becoming a gaming capital of Europe

It is estimated that around 30 million tourists visit Budapest each year. While it is easy to see them flocking to the main tourist destinations, many come to the city for reasons not always as visible. One sector that is attracting new residents and holidaymakers is the city’s thriving eSports and gaming scenes.

eSports in Budapest

When traveling on the metro or 4/6 tram, you may walk past small groups of uniform-clad tourists. Typically organized in groups of five, their insignias and shirts are reminiscent of a football or rugby team. Yet they are not here to visit one of the many traditional sporting events: they have arrived to do some serious gaming. 

Large events are taking place regularly in the wealth of eSports bars and cafes in the city. The first of these, Barcraft, arrived in 2015 close to Corvin Promenade. Quickly expanding to more locations, others such as Infinity Esports Bar and the InGame Lounge arrived to cater to the needs of social gamers. 

Buoyed by organizations such as the Hungarian Esport Championships, events taking place in these spaces are bringing tourists to the city from across Hungary and Europe. No official figures are available regarding how many arrive or the revenue they bring. Yet anyone who doubts the attraction of these events only needs to look at the level of sponsorship they are attracting. Volkswagen, Monster Energy, and K & H bank are all regular sponsors of the Hungarian Esports Association. 

Economical Advantages of a Growth in Gaming

It is not competitive gaming bringing people here either, but long-term employment in the industry. Budapest has long been a haven for global business with its attractive city and low cost of living. A new digital nomad visa put in place by the government is set to bring more workers to the capital, particularly those who can work from a laptop such as game developers.